Months ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon predicted that hosts Australia will win the Test series 5-0. While Indian cricketers are yet to respond to the statement, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali called the statement 'stupid'. He wants Ravichandran Ashwin to reply and say India will complete a cleansweep against them.
"I will only say one thing about Nathan Lyon's stupid statement that Australia will defeat India by six Tests (sarcastically), but only by words. In the past two series, India have dominated Australia. Such comments don't suit cricketers. Ricky Ponting or former cricketers can make such statements. I request Ashwin to reply and say that India will defeat Australia 5-0," Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Lyon holds the record for most wickets against India as a spinner. Similarly, Ashwin holds the same record against Australia. The Test series will begin on November 22 at Perth Stadium.
Lyon wants batters’ support to end India’s dominance on Australian soil
Meanwhile, Lyon has urged that he wants star Australia batters Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head into big hundreds. He is raring to end India’s decade-long dominance over Australia in the series.
"We need big runs. We need the guys, who are talented enough to get the hundred. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, all the top order. I don’t want 101 or 107, I want 180 and 200," said Lyon on the Willow Talk Podcast.
"It’s been 10 years since we have won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I started thinking about this series when England were over in India, watching them to go about it. I love the game and I will watch a decent Test match but I have eyes on this series for a long time now."
Who is giving Lyon sleepless nights?
Lyon was also asked to pick a batter who has kept him awake at night. He picked young Yashasvi Jaiswal who has a Test average close to 70. Lyon revealed that he had conversations with England’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley about it and is ready with a plan.
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