As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series between India and Australia approaches, the spotlight is on Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon and his preparation to face India’s rising batting star, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The five-Test series kicks off on November 22, and Lyon, with his impressive record, is diligently studying Jaiswal, who has quickly become a pivotal player for India after a sensational debut and exceptional performances.
Jaiswal made a remarkable entrance to Test cricket with a century against the West Indies last year, followed by a stunning 712 runs in a five-Test series against England earlier this year. However, the 21-year-old batsman will be met with new challenges on Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches, traditionally difficult for visiting batsmen.
“I haven’t come across him [Jaiswal] yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers,” Lyon said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing.”
The experienced spinner has been seeking valuable insights from England’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who gained firsthand experience bowling to Jaiswal during the recent India series.
“I had some really good chats with Tom Hartley about different ways he went about it to different guys, which I found quite interesting,” Lyon shared.
Lyon’s time with Lancashire during the English county season provided him the opportunity to exchange knowledge with Hartley, who took 20 wickets in four Tests against India.
Known for his meticulous preparation, Lyon believes the wealth of information available in modern cricket gives Australia the best chance to settle their “unfinished business” with India.
Since their 2-0 victory in the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar series, Australia has struggled to reclaim the trophy, losing the last four series to India. Lyon underscores the importance of turning the tide, particularly on home soil.
“It’s been ten years of unfinished business, it’s been a long time, and I know we’re extremely hungry to turn things around, especially here at home,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, India is an absolute superstar side and extremely challenging, but I’m extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back.”
Lyon also highlighted the difference in the current Australian team under Pat Cummins, compared to previous sides that lost to India.
“We feel like we are a different team to a couple of years ago. We are on a journey of becoming a great Australian cricket team. We’re definitely not there, but we are along that journey and have been playing some decent cricket,” Lyon concluded.
With both teams determined to prove their supremacy, the upcoming series promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied India-Australia rivalry.
