Haddin backs Lyon to fire in BBL

Nathan Lyon has a rare chance to remind national selectors of his white-ball wares during the Big Bash League.

Lyon will line up with the Sydney Sixers this Big Bash League season, squeezing in Twenty20 matches between his Test commitments.

The offspinner has played eight ODIs for Australia, but was overlooked in favour of Xavier Doherty for this year's World Cup squad.

Doherty played one match in the tournament, with selectors instead backing allrounder Glenn Maxwell as the side's frontline spinner.

Rod Marsh's panel picked Ashton Agar ahead of Lyon when they settled on a squad for the five-match ODI series against England that followed the Ashes.

The T20 World Cup will be hosted by India early next year, with spin forming a crucial part of Australia's bid to win the tournament for the first time.

Brad Haddin, who will play alongside Lyon at the Sixers, hoped selectors would keep an eye on his former Test teammate during the BBL.

"He's the premier spinner in Australia," Haddin told reporters in Sydney.

"He's been bowling outstandingly, I think, for the last 18 months, whether it be with the white ball or red ball.

"He just hasn't had much opportunity with the white ball.

"His form over all forms of cricket is outstanding."

Lyon became Australia's most prolific Test offspinner during this year's tour of the West Indies.

Chairman of selectors Marsh explained in England he didn't want to risk Lyon's Test form by him potentially "copping a hiding every now and then in one-day cricket".

Lyon admitted he was disappointed at the time.

"There's no point hiding behind it, I want to be the No.1 spinner in all three formats," the 28-year-old said.

Haddin felt Lyon didn't need to change anything to achieve that.

"I don't think Nathan has to do anything different to be honest, his bowling's been exceptional for a long period now," he said.

"Every time he gets an opportunity with the white ball, it's no different ... he was outstanding during the (domestic one-day) Matador Cup and he was great for the Sixers last year."

The Sixers' BBL campaign starts with a match against cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder on Thursday night.