“In My Eyes…”: Nathan Lyon Picks  England’s X-Factor For Ashes 2025

Poulomi Chakraborty

Nathan Lyon Backs Jack Leach (Source: @SomersetCCC/x.com, @SernineBabylone/x.com)Nathan Lyon Backs Jack Leach (Source: @SomersetCCC/x.com, @SernineBabylone/x.com)

The biggest rivalry of Test cricket is coming back as the Ashes is coming up in November 2025, as the cricket world will soak in the high-stakes rivalries between two of the best. As the nervous game has already begun, Australia’s legendary spinner Nathan Lyon’s remark on England’s spin strategy sparked buzz.

With the English side all set to face India in the fifth Test at the Oval, they have made some major changes. Highlighting their spin weakness, the spinner surprisingly named an unexpected player as England’s best hope in the Ashes bowling attack.

Nathan Lyon Names Dark Horse For England

As the India and England Test series is standing on a tricky phase after the last draw in Manchester, England came up with a revised playing XI ahead of the Oval Test. As they are set for the game, their lack of spin strength in the lineup is grabbing the attention. With no frontline spinner, England will step into the field depending on Joe Root and youngster Jacob Bethell’s part-time spin abilities.

As the Ashes is coming up later this year, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has already spiced up the biggest red-ball rivalry. Speaking to the media, as ICC reported, Lyon made headlines by naming a surprise English spinner he believes could be a game-changer on Australian soil in the upcoming Ashes.

“I obviously played with Jimmy Anderson last year at Lancashire, and he basically said that they're picking Bashir to do what I do. So I took a little bit of pride out of Jimmy respecting a little bit of what I've been able to do in my career. But Bashir has been OK,” he said.


“Jacob Bethell is playing this Test match (at The Oval against India), and he looks like he'll take up the spin bowling from Liam Dawson. But in my eyes, Jack Leach is still their best spinner,” he added.

Injury Blows Hit England Ahead Of Crucial Fifth Test

Despite a dominating display in the fourth Test, Ben Stokes and Co. faced a disappointing draw in Manchester as Team India’s second innings grit made the difference. But ahead of stepping into the fifth Test at the Oval, their woes deepened with a series of injury blows.

Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to injury, and Jofra Archer will also be missing out. Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue have been brought in to take the place of Ben Stokes, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse. In the absence of Stokes, Ollie Pope will lead the side against Shubman Gill and Co.