Nathan Lyon: Jack Leach Still England’s Best Spinner Despite New Faces.
Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has thrown his weight behind Jack Leach as England’s leading spin option, even as rising talents like Shoaib Bashir and Jacob Bethell begin to make their mark. Speaking at a Cricket Australia sponsorship event in Sydney, Lyon emphasised that Leach’s experience and control still make him the most reliable spinner in England’s red-ball setup.
Lyon, who ranks among Australia’s all-time great Test wicket-takers, acknowledged the comparisons made between him and Bashir but remained firm in his assessment of Leach.
“I obviously played with Jimmy Anderson last year at Lancashire, and they 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 okay,” Lyon said.
He continued, “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.” Lyon’s remarks highlight the enduring respect Leach commands at the highest level, even as England explore younger spin options.
Leach’s Quiet Strength
Jack Leach has featured in 39 Test matches for England, claiming 142 wickets at an average of 34.07, with best innings figures of 5 for 66. He made his debut in 2018 against New Zealand and last played a Test in October 2024 during England’s tour of Pakistan.
Though he has not appeared in a Test since, Leach remains in strong form domestically. In the 2025 County Championship season, he picked up 39 wickets at an average of 25.66, including two six-wicket hauls.
Leach is also fondly remembered for his stoic one-run stand at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes, where his partnership with Ben Stokes helped England pull off a historic chase of 359.
While Bashir and Bethell represent England’s future, Lyon’s endorsement suggests that, in terms of consistency and temperament, Leach is still the spinner to beat.
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