'I'm not afraid of getting hit for a six': Nathan Lyon ready for Rishabh Pant challenge, chalks out plan to dismiss him in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia's veteran spinner Nathan Lyon understands the challenge an aggressive Rishabh Pant poses ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. The last time India were in Australia, Pant's courageous knock helped India conquer the Gabba fortress. The battle between Lyon and Pant has been a treat to watch, a rare high-voltage battle between a spinner and an ultra-aggressive batter. Recently, the eccentric wicketkeeper-batter who survived a car accident on December 30, 2022 announced his return to red-ball cricket with a century against Bangladesh. The 36-year-old feels that the margin of error is small against someone like Pant.
 

"You're bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant, who is electric. He's got all the skills in the world," Lyon told Star Sports.
 

"As a bowler, your room for error is so small. So, you've got to be good. It's a challenge as a bowler if I'm going to get hit for six.”
 

How Lyon intends to dismiss Pant

Lyon holds the record for taking most wickets (121) against India as a spinner in Tests. While Pant has often won the duel, Lyon has a plan in place to dismiss the southpaw. He wants to make him stay in the crease and defend as he can be dangerous when he dances down the track.
 

"I'm not afraid of getting hit for a six. The challenge is that I can provide the batters and try and keep someone like Rishabh in his crease and potentially try and get him to defend me a lot more... and, hopefully, bring a couple of chances along the way," the leading wicket-taker among current Test cricketers said. 

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli to play Ranji Trophy 2024 after 12 years alongside Rishabh Pant? Star cricketers named in Delhi's probables list for upcoming season
 

Pant’s record on Australian soil

26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Pant has played seven Tests on Australian soil. He averages 62.40 with 624 runs from 12 innings including one century and two half-centuries. His strike rate is a menacing 72.13. He is capable of turning the tide within an hour of day’s play. 

ALSO READ: ENG vs AUS: Captain Harry Brook's record-breaking maiden ODI ton leads England to 46-run win, keeps series alive
 

The Test series will begin on November 22 at Perth Stadium. Australia will look to end India’s dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The last time they won was during 2014/15 tour. 
 

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