Nathan Lyon Excited to Face Kagiso Rabada in the Remaining Two Tests

The Australian team respects the decision by the ICC to allow Kagiso Rabada to be a part of the South African XI in the next couple of Tests. Aussie off-spinner said that his participation is pretty exciting given the fact he is the No 1 ranked bowler at the moment.

Rabada successfully appealed against a two-match ban imposed by the ICC for brushing the shoulder with Aussie skipper Steve Smith in the 2^nd Test at Port Elizabeth. Courtesy the appeal his punishment was reduced from three to one demerit point.

Hence he remains under 8 demerit points in the last 24 months enabling him to be a part of the Test squad in remaining two matches. The series is evenly poised at 1-1 and we might be in for an intense couple of matches

“It’s exciting, as Australian cricketers we always want to play against the best and he is the number one bowler in the world, so it will be a challenge for all of us that have to bat,” Lyon told reporters.

“The ICC has made their decision and we respect it, that’s their job. It’s not for me to sit here and say whether it is right or wrong. We have two massive Test matches to come and we will have to play at our best to beat South Africa.”

Lyon stated that the Aussies were only able to play 40% of their potential in the 2^nd Test at Port Elizabeth which they lost by 6 wickets. However, they won the opening Test by 118 runs.

“We sat down and had a good debrief. If I am honest I thought we played at about 40 percent in PE. Another 100 runs and it would have been one hell of a Test match,” Lyon said.

“We will have a team meeting to sit and discuss where we can better. The pitch is interesting, it looks a pretty good wicket. It’s a hell of a series with two top teams going at it.”

The office had a terrific 2017 which saw him taking 63 wickets at an impressive average of 23.55. However, he hasn’t been at his best in this series so far.

“I think I have played my role (in the series), but credit to South Africa, they have played me well on spinning wickets. I am just trying to hold up an end and challenge these guys’ defences,” Lyon said.

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