Sydney, July 31 — Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon has stirred the pot ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, casting doubt on England’s spin bowling strength and backing veteran Jack Leach as their best option.

Speaking at a Cricket Australia event, Lyon emphasized the crucial role spin will play in the series starting November 21 in Perth. With England’s frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir sidelined due to injury, the team is relying on part-timers like Joe Root and Jacob Bethell in their final ICC World Test Championship match at The Oval.

Lyon, who played alongside England legend Jimmy Anderson at Lancashire, revealed that Bashir was picked to emulate his own style. “I took pride in that,” Lyon said, “but in my eyes, Jack Leach is still their best spinner.”

Leach, absent from Test cricket since October last year, has been in strong form in the County Championship, leading the spin charts with 39 wickets. Despite this, England has yet to confirm their spin strategy for the Ashes, leaving Lyon curious — and confident.

“I won’t give away my secrets,” he added with a grin, “but our guys know how to play spin in these conditions.”