There’s so much for me to learn off Ashwin – Lyon

Cricket News: Ashwin and Lyon Set to Clash in Perth Test

Perth Test Begins on Friday, Nov 22

Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon, two modern greats with over 500 Test wickets each, will face off in the eighth series of their careers. With both players now in their late thirties, this duel will be one to savour.

Lyon's Appreciation for Ashwin

• "He's taught me a lot," Lyon said of Ashwin.
• "I've never met anyone who has conquered the game… There's so much to learn in this great game, and there's so much for me to learn off Ash."

Lyon has watched a lot of Ashwin's footage, seeking to improve his own game. He acknowledges that Ashwin is a world-class bowler, one who has consistently performed well.

Lyon Reflects on Previous Series

In the last series between India and Australia, Ashwin outbowled Lyon, leading India to a 2-1 series win. Lyon admits this was an impressionable moment, both as a competitor and as a student of the game.

• "Ash is an incredibly smart bowler… He's able to learn and adapt very quickly… He used his skill to benefit himself and his team."

Australian Expectations

Lyon feels the Australian team is on the right track to do great things this summer, in spite of four back-to-back series losses. He credits India's win in the World Test Championship final in England as a factor in their confidence for the series.

• "We understand that we're coming up against a world-class side, but we can take a lot of confidence out of where we are at as an Australian cricket team… I feel like we're on the journey to becoming a great team."

The Challenge Ahead

Lyon is aware of the formidable challenge India presents, despite their 3-0 defeat to New Zealand on home turf. He regards India as a class outfit, capable of performing well on Australian soil.

• "It's going to be a cracking Test series… It's been a long ten years since Australia's held the trophy. There's only a few of us that would probably be in the squad that's actually held the trophy, so it's time to bring it home."