Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said there was nothing unexpected in the bouncer New Zealand gave in the first Test in Perth, and he expects more of the same in the whole series. After Australia won the first of the three-match Test series by 296 runs, captain Tim Paine said the Kiwis’ liberal use of short-pitched bowling had a Bodyline feel to it too. New Zealand seamer Neil Wagner, who is known for his short ball to good effect, led the bowling attack and picked up a number of wickets.

“I think you have to embrace it, it’s a challenge,” he said. “We were playing against the number two team in the world and they’ve had success playing the brand of cricket they’re playing at the moment. The Bodyline series I’m not sure, but short bowling is going to be a tactic. I’m going to cop it so it’s unfortunate I can’t dish it out so that’s why I’ve got to get the big boys to look after me,” he said.

Nathan Lyon said he didn’t have any issue with the aggressive approach of New Zealand who have been widely considered as the nice guys of world cricket in recent years.

“They’re lovely guys,” he said. “They don’t sledge me or anything, I’ve got no dramas with the Kiwis and there’s some world-class cricketers in that squad.”

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Adding extra spice to the incident, a recent domestic match between Victoria and Western Australia was abandoned after the pitch became dangerous. Although a different drop-in pitch will be used for the Test between Australia and New Zealand and Nathan Lyon backed curator Matt Page fully.

“I’m always going to be on the curator’s side,” the former Adelaide Oval groundsman said. “I’m confident there’s going to be a good wicket there. No doubt he’s probably had a few sleepless nights from the last week, but well prepared for a great wicket there hopefully.”