As Australia gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India later this year, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has voiced his eagerness to turn the tide and reclaim the prestigious trophy. With a decade passing since Australia last won the series at home, Lyon’s determination reflects the team’s hunger to rectify past disappointments.
A Decade of Unfinished Business
Australia’s last victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil came in the 2014-15 series, where they triumphed 2-0. Since then, they have faced significant challenges, suffering defeats in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series. Notably, the latter saw India mount a remarkable comeback after being bowled out for just 36 runs in Adelaide, ultimately winning the series 2-1 with unforgettable victories at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Gabba, alongside a thrilling draw in Sydney.
“It’s been ten years of unfinished business, it’s been a long time, and I know we’re extremely hungry to turn things around especially here at home,” Lyon stated. He acknowledged India’s formidable reputation, recognizing them as “an absolute superstar side” that poses a significant challenge.
Evolving as a Team
Lyon expressed confidence in the current Australian team, noting their evolution since previous encounters with India. “I feel like we are a different team to a couple of years ago. We are on a journey of becoming a great Australian cricket team. We’re definitely not there, but we are along that journey and have been playing some decent cricket,” he remarked.
This transformation is crucial as the team seeks to reclaim its status in Test cricket, particularly against a strong Indian lineup.
Challenges Ahead: Facing Yashasvi Jaiswal
One of the key challenges for Lyon and the Australian bowlers will be facing India’s promising left-handed opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Lyon has been closely observing Jaiswal’s performances, particularly during his impressive outings against England. “I haven’t come across him yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers,” Lyon noted, highlighting the importance of preparation and adaptation in cricket.
Drawing from his experiences in county cricket with Lancashire, Lyon mentioned his discussions with left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who provided valuable insights into Jaiswal’s batting techniques. “The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing,” he added.
Knowledge Sharing in Cricket
Lyon emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing within the cricketing community. “I love talking about cricket, so if I can talk to someone who has played Test cricket, I might be able to pick up something I’m not aware of. There’s so much knowledge floating around this game that we can always tap into,” he concluded.
The first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar series will commence at Perth Stadium on November 22. As Australia prepares to face India, Nathan Lyon’s commitment to turning around the team’s fortunes and reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a testament to the resilience and determination that defines Australian cricket. With Lyon leading the charge, fans can expect an exciting and fiercely contested series ahead.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
