Cricket news - Taken aback by Saker's decision to resign: Lyon

Nathan Lyon, the premier Australian spinner, said he was surprised by the unexpected resignation of David Saker as the assistant coach of the national setup. The off spinner added that he found out about Saker's decision through a phone call on Thursday (February 7).

As a result of Saker's sudden decision to step down from his position, Australia now have to find a replacement just a few months before the World Cup. Troy Cooley, who had previously served as the bowling coach of both England and Australia, will take over the role on an interim basis for the limited overs series against India and UAE.

"I was shocked by it to be honest, I'm a bit disappointed," he observed. "I was taken aback. I didn't really catch on about anything in Canberra after a great Test win, I didn't think anything of it and he didn't mention anything to me. I'm not part of those conversations between the coach and management but he's been great for me, a massive support, so he'll be missed for sure."

In the recent past, the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have struggled to make an impact. Before Starc picked up a 10-wicket haul versus Sri Lanka in the Canberra Test, he was averaging 36.88 in the longest format over a period of 12 months. Incidentally, Starc credited Andre Adams, the New South Wales' bowling coach, for his top-notch performance in Canberra.

Justin Langer, the head coach, had also observed that there were "ongoing discussions" about Saker's role as the assistant coach. Lyon, however, said that all the bowlers enjoyed working with the former Victorian pacer. "I really enjoyed working with David and I know I'm talking on behalf of the all the fast bowlers as well.

"But it is what it is, he's got my support, but I'm not part of those conversations behind closed doors. We'll just have to crack on and make sure we get our bowling plans for the World Cup and Ashes down pat," he added.