Young spinners prepare to take over from Nathan Lyon

CHENNAI: With Australia's development squad sweating it out in Chennai, their next generation of spin bowlers are getting a taste of what it takes to succeed in conditions vastly different from home. For left-arm spinner Joel Davies, leg-spinner Lloyd Pope and off-spinner Jack Sinfield, the challenge is not just about making an impression in India but also pushing their claims for a place in the national setup. Still standing firmly in their way is veteran Nathan Lyon.

Davies, 22, recently made his T20I debut after a promising series in Bangladesh with four wickets in three games, and claimed 3-17 in his first match. However, the conditions there offered a different challenge from what he had expected.

"I don't think it was quite what I was expecting. It didn't spin as much as I was anticipating. But it was awesome to get exposure to different conditions. In terms of the temperature, it was very similar to Chennai," Davies told TOI.

While Lyon remains Australia's first-choice Test spinner, Davies believes the depth emerging through state cricket could eventually provide the selectors with several options.

"He is still doing a great job. So, I think he'll keep hanging around while he's still fit. But I think there are some very good options around state cricket at the moment," he said.

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