Stunning start for Riverina cricketer Nathan Lyon

RIVERINA cricketer Nathan Lyon yesterday revealed he is still coming to terms with his "unbelievable" rise to fame in South Australian cricket.The 23-year-old came under the spotlight on Tuesday night when he claimed figures of 2-30 in his first-class debut for South Australia in the Twenty20 Big Bash series.Lyon was given a surprise call-up for the Redbacks' opening match and he did not disappoint selectors despite South Australia going down narrowly to NSW.Lyon was the last wicket to fall as he smashed a quick-fire 11 off seven balls as the Redbacks fell short by 21 runs.It was a remarkable turn of events for Lyon, who was born and bred in Young, and is "proud of it".The right-arm off-spinner only moved to Adelaide in July last year after playing in Canberra for the past six seasons.He cannot believe how quickly his career has turned."It's been unbelievable," Lyon said from Adelaide yesterday."I was named in the squad for the Big Bash the week before Christmas, which was a big surprise definitely considering I've only been in Adelaide for five months."Driving down to Adelaide five months ago there is no way I thought I was ever a chance to be playing in the Big Bash."Lyon opened the bowling for South Australia and picked up two wickets in consecutive deliveries when he claimed the scalps of Daniel Smith then Nic Maddinson next ball.He finished with the Redback's best figures of 2-30 from four overs.With the bat, Lyon smashed around former Test quick Doug Bollinger before falling to fellow off-spinner Nathan Hauritz."It was unbelievable," Lyon said."There were certainly a few nerves flying around."Lyon had been commuting back to Canberra for his commitments with the ACT Comets in the Futures League.They have now been put on hold.Lyon believes he is no certainty to be picked for South Australia's next game against Victoria on Saturday and is just going to enjoy the experience while it lasts."We've got different teams picked for the teams we play," Lyon said."I'll just take it a game at a time and see where it gets me."I'm just going to enjoy it at the minute."Lyon lived in Canberra with former Wagga cricketer Ben Oakley, who last year was picked for the Prime Minister's XI against West Indies.Lyon is the son of Steve and Bronwyn of Young.His family were in Sydney for the fifth Ashes Test yesterday and watched Nathan in action from the Freshwater RSL on Tuesday night.