Nathan Lyon shocked at David Saker’s exit as Australia bowling coach

Lyon said there was no indication from Saker that he had plans to resign.

David Saker‘s resignation Thursday as Australia‘s bowling coach just months from the start of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, which precedes the Ashes in England, has left Nathan Lyon shocked and disappointed.

Lyon, Australia’s most successful finger-spinner in Tests, said that there was no indication that Saker, who served as bowling coach for three years, had plans to leave.

“I know he’s got my support, but I’m not part of those conversations behind closed doors to be honest, so it took me by surprise,” Lyon told reporters on Friday. “I was shocked by it to be honest, I’m a bit disappointed. (READ MORE: Craig McDermott ‘open to’ returning as Australia assistant coach)

“I was taken back by it to be honest, I didn’t really catch on to anything especially in Canberra after a great Test win down there – I didn’t really think anything of it. He didn’t mention anything to me.”

Saker, who performed a similar role with England before joining the Australian set-up in 2016, resigned after lengthy talks with coach Justin Langer.

Having nurtured the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Saker’s absence will be felt by the team said Lyon.

“He’s been great for me, he’s been a massive support so he will be missed that’s for sure,” he said.