'Best bowling attack in the world' declares Lyon

Nathan Lyon is not one to shy away from making big statements and in the wake of Australia retaining the Ashes in Manchester the veteran off-spinner made his latest bold declaration.

Following the 185-run victory at Old Trafford which ensured the precious urn will remain in the possession of the visitors, Lyon confidently proclaimed Australia's all-round bowling unit is the premier Test attack on the planet.

"Everyone is going to think this is a big statement, but I think the bowling squad in that change-room there is the best in the world," Lyon said.

"I believe that and I'm very confident that we are the best in the world.

"To have the fast-bowling stocks that we've got as the Australian Cricket Team at the moment, we're very lucky.

"But in saying that the boys are working their backsides off.

"There's no surprise they're out there reaping the rewards they deserve.

"You've got Pat Cummins, the best bowler in the world in my view but then Josh Hazlewood, jeez, if he's not second I don't know who is.

"But then you've got 'Starcy', 'Patto', 'Sidds', Michael Neser as well.

"In that changeroom right now I think we've got the best bowling attack in the world."

Lyon's assessment will likely cause debate from Indian fans, who will point out their team has five bowlers inside the top 20 on the official Test bowling rankings, more than any other nation.

But Lyon will not be bothered if Australia's versatile bowling attack continues to remain fit, in form and taking 20 wickets each Test.

Australia's bowling group is led by Cummins, who in Lyon's view and officially is the No.1 Test bowler in the world.

Cummins is the only fast bowler to play in all four Ashes Tests this campaign and the right-armer has been outstanding, capturing 24 wickets at 17.41.

He now has 118 wickets at 21.08 in 24 matches and is the leading wicket-taker in Tests this year with 38, eight clear of second place and Ashes rival, Stuart Broad.

Hazlewood, despite missing the first Ashes Test in Birmingham, is matching Cummins blow for blow with 18 wickets at 16.88 in three matches.

The right-armer currently sits in 12th spot in the Test bowling rankings but after another six wickets at Old Trafford he is set to move into the top 10.

The luxury of have an unprecedented healthy squad of fast bowlers to choose from has meant Australia's selectors have been able to carefully manage the quicks and give them rest when required.

It is why James Pattinson has played just two of the four Tests in what is his first series back in international cricket in three-and-a-half years following a series of devastating back injuries.

The flexibility allows the selectors to pick the fast-bowling combination specifically for the conditions at each venue, which is why seasoned campaigner Peter Siddle played the opening two matches at Edgbaston and Lord's before he made way for Pattinson at Headingley.

An example of the wealth of fast-bowling talent Australia currently enjoys is how Mitchell Starc, a first-choice bowler over the past four years, had to wait until the fourth Test to appear in the playing XI.

Starc responded with four wickets and a quick-fire 54 not out in Manchester, but given the depth of talent on the sidelines, which includes uncapped Queenslander Neser, the bowling attack could again be interchanged for the series finale at The Oval.

While Australia's fast bowling attack has come in many shapes and sizes over recent years, the one constant has been Lyon.

The 31-year-old has not missed a Test since the Ashes in 2013 when Ashton Agar made his famous debut ahead of him, and will enter the fifth Test as his country's third-highest Test wicket-taker.

It has been a series of highs and lows for Lyon, from spinning Australia to victory at Edgbaston with 6-49 on the final day to the dramatic closing stages in the Headingley classic.

Across the third and fourth Tests, Lyon went 308 deliveries without taking a wicket, despite creating a number of chances only to have catches dropped and poor management of the Decision Review System.

But at Old Trafford, Lyon split open his right index spinning finger, an injury he has suffered in the past, most notably on the 2017 Test tour of India.

The setback did not deter Lyon, who captured two key wickets on Sunday to play his part in Australia retaining the Ashes.

"In Test cricket you have to find a way to compete," Lyon said when asked about his finger.

"It's probably like a singer losing the vocals, but you have to find a way to compete.

"I was pretty proud of that bowling effort, to take 20 wickets on that pitch."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Chris Woakes.

First Test: Australia won by 251 runs at Edgbaston

Second Test: Match drawn at Lord's

Third Test: England won by one wicket at Headingley

Fourth Test: Australia won by 185 runs at Old Trafford

Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval