Jack Shantry says Worcestershire Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes has made "one of the best signings in county cricket this season" in Nathan Lyon.
The Australian off-spinner is preparing for his second County Championship game during his five week spell with the County against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road today (Friday).
Lyon quickly settled into a groove during the innings victory over Derbyshire – his first bowl in first class cricket for six weeks – although it was the seamers who did most of the damage.
But Shantry has no doubts abut his quality and the impact he could have during the remainder of his time at New Road as a replacement for John Hastings.
Shantry said: "I think Nathan is one of the best signings in county cricket this season for a few games.
"He was very unlucky to miss out on the Champions Trophy squad with Australia.
"He is Australia's greatest off spinner of all time and he spins the ball in any conditions.
"He is Test match spinner so he will give us control when we need it and also he will be a wicket-taker in any conditions.
"He will also help our seamers as well.
"If opposition teams fear Nathan, then they may prepare wickets that actually do a little more for the seamer and then they will bring Leachy, myself, Barny, Tonguey into the game.
"And, if it does spin, then he is one of the best in the business."
Shantry added: "Nathan is as close as you can get to a household name in cricket.
"Everyone in cricket knows him and how good a player he is and he has been so over a long period of time."
