Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has leapt to the defence of maligned New Zealand counterpart Mark Craig, saying he deserves to be cut some slack.
Craig has been pilloried after floundering in the opening two matches of the trans-Tasman series in which the Kiwi offspinner has failed to adapt to Australian conditions.
The 28-year-old has taken just six wickets at an average of 73 this series, well down on his Test career average of 44.52.
Craig was branded the worst spinner to ever tour Australia after twice going wicketless in an innings in Brisbane and Perth.
He has returned figures of 7-709 and gone for 5.09 runs an over across both games.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has already assured Craig his place was not under threat for next week's third Test at the Adelaide Oval.
With the pink ball expected to suit the spinners - evidenced by Australia toying with the idea of deploying Lyon and Steve O'Keefe in a twin-spin attack - Craig seems likely to hold his place.
Lyon said all touring spinners usually struggled with Australian pitches and backed his opposite number's ability to bounce back.
"A lot of spinners cop a lot of criticism when they come out here," Lyon said.
"It's not the easiest place in the world to bowl spin, especially if you haven't grown up in these conditions.
"He's a talented offspin bowler, there's no doubt about that, he gets some lovely shape on it."
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