Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon (Credits - Getty Images)

Australia’s premier off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, rubbishes all the talks of his side having an advantage over India at the Gabba, where the fourth and the last Test of the series will be played.

A fiercely competitive series between the two sides, after the drawn third Test match in Sydney, stands level – the hosts will have to win the last Test to claim the trophy, any other result would mean India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Ashes 2017-18, Steven Smith, Gabba, Nathan Lyon, James Vince run-out,
Australia has won their last 7 matches at The Gabba. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

We have to worry about our preparation: Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon’s comments of Australia not having an advantage come as a bit of surprise considering their supreme record at the Brisbane Cricket Ground – which is the official name of The Gabba – and an Indian team that is riddled with injuries.

Australia has been invincible at the Gabba; they haven’t lost a Test since 1988 and are on a 7-match winning streak at the venue.

At least three players from the Sydney Test – Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuma Vihari, and Ravindra Jadeja – will miss the fourth Test, and there are uncertainties over the fitness of Ravichandran Ashwin. Nathan Lyon believes that the visitors have depth in their bench strength and hence cannot be written off.

“I wouldn’t say that Australia has the advantage. You look at the class throughout the Indian squad, yes they will be missing a couple of big players but they have got a talented squad they can pick from,” Nathan Lyon said during a virtual press conference.

Hanuma Vihari, India, Australia
Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin grit it out to help India salvage a historic draw [Photo-Twitter]
Fondly referred to as the ‘GOAT’ for being Australia’s leading wicket-taking off-spinner, Lyon has hitherto had a disappointing series picking just 6 wickets in 3 matches. He reckons the hosts should focus on their preparation – Australia failed to bowl India out in the fourth innings at the SCG across 4 sessions for 131 overs. On the Brisbane pitch, which has extra bounce, Lyon hopes to get back his mojo.

“To be honest, we have to worry about our preparation. We can’t look too far at what they are doing. As bowlers, we are very well suited for the Gabba and hopefully, we can put them into play nice and early when we have the ball in hand,” Nathan Lyon added.

“We do have an amazing record here at Gabba, we do have the confidence and we know how to play a really positive brand of cricket here at Brisbane. But we can’t rest on that. We know how talented India is and how hungry they are to win this series,” Nathan Lyon further added.

Also Read: Steve Smith Is Not A Cheat And He Is In Real Anger: Shane Lee

Read More  LSG vs PBKS Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match? IPL 2024, Match 11