Nathan Lyon gives tick of approval to potential replacement Corey Rocchiccioli after Sheffeild Shield clash

Australia’s greatest-ever off-spinner Nathan Lyon has had a first-hand look at his possible successor and has given Corey Rocchiccioli the baggy green seal of approval. Rocchiccioli impressed with his craft for Australia A in its recent two match series against India A on the subcontinent, producing figures of 3-159, 1-24 and 2-84. He took three wickets in tough conditions for spinners in WA’s opening Sheffield Shield loss to New South Wales at the WACA Ground, with Lyon taking the reins as captain in the four-day game. “Roc’s going really well. I had a really good chat to him. He feels like he learnt a lot in India,” Lyon said. “It was really good experience for him to go over there and experience different conditions. I’m a very big fan of Roc.” Veteran NSW coach Greg Shipperd was also impressed. “He’s a terrific bowler in these conditions here, there’s plenty of turn and bounce and that first day was pretty outrageous and he could have had a number of wickets,” Shipperd said. Rocchiccioli said in the lead up to the Shield match he would position himself behind the bowler’s arm to watch the champion Test off-spinner and pledged to pull him aside for a chat across the four days. “As my career has progressed, I have started to learn the ins and outs of his technique and my technique and what he’s trying to do tactically,” Rocchiccioli said. “I really love talking to Gaz … when the opportunity presents I’ll certainly ask him for bits and pieces.” Rocchiccioli is considered a leading candidate to replace 37-year-old Lyon when his Test career comes to an end. Fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy was Lyon’s replacement in the 2023 Ashes when the veteran was injured. Matthew Kuhnemann is another candidate. Lyon, who turns 38 next month but the master of a craft that favours longevity, is Australia’s third highest wicket taker for Australia in Tests, with 562 in 139 matches ahead of the Ashes. Ahead of the Ashes opener, The West Test which starts on November 21, he sits just one wicket behind retried paceman Glenn McGrath on 563 in second place, with the late, great leg spinner Shane Warner in a stratosphere of his own at the top of the list with 708. NSW opened its Shield campaign with a 74-run away at the WACA on a pitch Shipperd said favoured the bowlers. Set 231 to win, WA fell for for 156 on the final day with Blues quick Liam Hatcher (4-49) the destroyer of the lower order. Batting with injured No.11 Joel Paris, former Australia allrounder Ashton Agar went down swinging. Paris is expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring injury. WA plays NSW in a One-Day Cup game at the WACA today.