PAK vs AUS: Not Rohit Sharma, Joe Root! Nathan Lyon Reveals Best Players He Played Against

Published - 01 Jan 2024, 06:33 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:20 AM

Nathan Lyon and Babar Azam (Image Credits: Twitter)

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Australian spinner Nathan Lyon revealed the best players he has played against ahead of the third and final Test against Australia. Nathan Lyon identified his top three as Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and AB de Villiers, acknowledging their greatness in the game.

Nathan Lyon made a comeback to Test cricket after recovering from a calf injury. He secured nine wickets in two matches at an average of 26.33, with his best figures being 4/73. Lyon also became the third Australian bowler to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket.

The veteran off-spinner represented the national team in 124 Tests, 29 ODIs, and 2 T20Is, securing 505 wickets, 29 wickets, and 1 wicket in the respective formats. Lyon registered his career-best figures (8/50) in Tests against India in Bengaluru in the 2017 series.

Top Three Will Be Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar And AB de Villiers – Nathan Lyon

In a rapid-fire Q&A session with SCG, Nathan Lyon found it challenging to pick the best player he has played against, given the formidable opponents he faced. However, he picked his top three as Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and AB de Villiers.

“Best player I’ve played against that’s a very hard question. I’ve played against some of the greats of the game. I’ll give you top three will be Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers,” Lyon stated.

Something That I Struggle To Do – Nathan Lyon

When queried about the secret to dismissing them, Nathan Lyon revealed that his approach involves consistently challenging their defensive skills over prolonged periods, acknowledging this as a challenge.

“Secret to getting them out, something that I struggle to do would be trying to challenge the defense for long periods of time,” Lyon added.

Lyon dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in Test cricket at an average of 50.42. The 36-year-old picked up AB de Villiers two times at an average of 72. The veteran bowler had a good record against Sachin Tendulkar, taking his wicket four times at an average of 31.75.

My First Ashes Win Here – Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon mentioned that his favorite Sydney Test memory was his first Ashes win, during which the team celebrated by singing the victory song on the pitch.

“Favourite New Year’s Sydney Test would have to be my first Ashes win here, where we sung the song on the wicket,” Lyon said.

I’ve Got A Lot Of Fond Memories – David Warner

In response to a question about David Warner’s standout innings at the SCG, Lyon reminisced about his teammate’s numerous memorable centuries. He specifically highlighted a remarkable century in a session against the West Indies as a standout performance.

“I’ve played with Davey Warner for the last 13 years. I’ve got a lot of fond memories but here at the SCG several hundreds that popped to mind. But one in a session against the West Indies I believe,” Lyon further stated.

The spinner will be next seen in action during the ‘New Year’ Test between Australia and Pakistan, scheduled from January 3 to 7. The home team aims to complete a clean sweep in the Test series to secure crucial points in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle.

His favourite New Year’s Test, Dave Warner, and the best players @NathLyon421 has ever played against…

Here’s 55 seconds with the ?? pic.twitter.com/XtR2rFVBKc

— Sydney Cricket Ground (@scg) January 1, 2024