‘Team full of superstars’ Nathan Lyon praises India ahead of Adelaide Test

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon addressed the media ahead of the second Test versus India in Adelaide. The home team are 1-0 down in the series after losing the opening Test match in Perth by 295 runs. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also set to miss the game after getting injured after the first Test match. 

Lyon during the press conference praised the Indian side and said, “India have several superstars. Obviously, Virat and Bumrah are top performers, but there are other players as well. India is strong team and hard to compete against. We are not focusing on just one player. It doesn’t mean we will not compete against them. We respect them but will make sure to play our brand of cricket and play competitive cricket against this Indian team.”

The 37-year-old is the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in Pink Ball matches. Lyon has picked 43 wickets from 21 matches and has a good record at the Adelaide Oval. His battles against India are legendary and many fans will be looking forward to the Aussie bowler and his duels with the batters. 

Nathan Lyon surprised at Ashwin’s exclusion from the Perth Test

During the course of his chat with the media, Nathan Lyon was surprised that India didn’t play R. Ashwin in Perth. The 38-year-old old was rested for the game with fellow spin great Ravindra Jadeja with Washington Sundar taking their place. Ashwin and Lyon are considered two of the greatest spinners of this era with over 530 Test wickets. 

The 37-year-old said, “More than surprises me. But the quality of Indian cricketers that they got in that squad, don't they? You've got Ashwin and 530 odd wickets and then you got Ravindra Jadeja over 300 wickets or whatever it may be. So it's pretty remarkable to see the quality of player that are sitting on the bench. But I can't control with who they run out, but it would be a good challenge, no matter who they bring out"

Media also asked Lyon about Hazlewood missing the game to which he said, “Yeah, he is pretty disappointed. The other day when he told me, about four or five days ago, that he had a side issue. But the quality of person Josh is, he is getting around everyone, making sure that everyone is right here firstly, but he is also doing his rehab and training.”

When asked about the likely playing surface, Lyon said, “If you are good enough with the bat, you will score runs. If you are good enough with the ball you will hopefully create few chances along  your way. So I think this is probably the best cricket wicket in the world. If I am being honest with you. So I am expecting it to be pretty helpful for spin and bowling as well.”