Since the famous India and Australia Test series in 2001, the rivalry between the two nations has kept becoming more significant. Nathan Lyon has been part of several iconic matches between the two powerhouses of world cricket. The off-spinner recently rated the rivalry between India and Australia near to the Ashes.
Lyon believes that the Indian team is full of superstars and it will be a challenge to face them later this year. He also admitted that in 2018 India outplayed his side and deserved to win the Test series. The off-spinner is already eyeing the big Test series and called it the pinnacle series alongside the Ashes.
India-Australia series is up there with Ashes – Nathan Lyon
“You never like losing series or games of cricket for Australia. But we’re looking forward to having those guys come here, it’s getting up there to the pinnacle series alongside the Ashes. They’ve got a side full of superstars and it’s going to be an amazing challenge this Australian summer when they get out here”, Lyon said to sportingnews.com.
Nathan Lyon also talked about practising bowling during this lockdown to prepare for the upcoming cricket season. The off-spinner is the most successful Australia bowlers against India in Tests.
He has so far picked 85 wickets in 18 Tests at an average of 32.60 against team Indian. Australia will play Afghanistan in a one-off Test before they host India in a four-match Test series. It will be of greater significance with the ICC World Test Championship in view. Currently, India occupy the top spot with 360 points followed by the Aussies.
“I haven’t had a pre-season, this is my first winter in ten years. It’s exciting to be home and just to be around all the boys here and all the rookies as well trying to pass on a little bit of knowledge. I’ve been doing a bit of bowling-coaching with young Ben Manenti from the Sydney Sixers, so I’ve been bowling with him a fair bit over the last three to four weeks”, Lyon concluded.