Dominic Cork tells England to target Nathan Lyon during Ashes

Dominic Cork believes England must target Australia spinner Nathan Lyon if they are to regain the Ashes this summer.

Lyon has impressed at Test level in recent months and said last week he had been working on a "mystery delivery" for the series, although he endured a torrid time against Essex in the tourists' last warm-up match, ending with match figures of 1-201. 

And Cork believes, given the strength of Australia's pace attack, England must go after the off-spinner.

"It’s something England will have to do," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "Even though Nathan Lyon is potentially a match winning off-spinner.

"He has earned that respect because of what he has done for Australia for a while now - 41 Test matches, 146 Test wickets, an economy rate of 3.15. That economy rate is very important, especially with the fact that Ryan Harris has now retired. 

"I wouldn’t worry about his performances at Chelmsford, I’d be looking to hopefully target him and put him under pressure and that’s something that England should do."

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Harris' retirement is a huge blow to Australia, according to Cork, who says they will struggle to replace the paceman's experience.

"It’s a big loss not to have someone of his experience, even though he started Test cricket quite late on - only playing 27 Test matches and taking 113 wickets. 

"Michael Clarke said he was his go-to bowler. He was his senior bowler that if ever he needed someone to take a wicket or stop the opposition from scoring, then that was him. He is a big loss because he was a fine bowler, especially in the Ashes."

However, Cork had words of warning for Stuart Broad after the England paceman claimed Steve Smith was Australia's weak link despite being the No 1 ranked batsman in the world.

"I wouldn’t say he is a weak link. He has been playing better than any other player.  He just looks technically the best. 

"I think what Broad was trying to say was to have Steve Smith to come in at three in English conditions is a bonus for England, as long as they can get him out as quickly as possible.

"The ball does move a little bit more, the Duke ball can offer a little bit of swing and seam early on. As long as they can get an early wicket, to get Steve Smith in as early as possible and put him under pressure. 

"That middle order is crucial on both sides because Australia are relying on the likes of Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin."

The first Investec Ashes Test is live from Cardiff on our dedicated Sky Sports Ashes channel from Wednesday, July 8.