Cricket

Australia Braces for India's Dominance in Border-Gavaskar TrophyAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian cricket star Steve Smith has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by India. In a recent Star Sports promo, Smith expressed his respect for India's dominance, stating, "We know they are very difficult to beat."The upcoming five-match Test series, beginning on November 22, marks the first such encounter between Australia and India since the 1991/92 season. Australian skipper Pat Cummins is determined to make amends after losing to India in two consecutive series at home. "We have not been successful in the last two series here in Australia. So it's been a long time, hopefully time to make amends," Cummins said.Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon echoed Smith's sentiments, praising the Indian squad. "I've always said throughout my whole career I wanna compete against the best. When you look through the whole Indian line-up. The whole squad is absolutely superstars wherever you look in. You want to compete and challenge yourself against them and can't wait to have the Indian guys out here," Lyon said.India's recent Test series win against Bangladesh has solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With eight wins, two losses, and one draw, India has amassed 98 points and a points percentage of 74.24. If India defeats New Zealand 3-0 at home, they will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord's in June 2025 before even heading to Australia.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will thus be a contest of pride, with the world's No. 1 team aiming to retain the series. Australia, on the other hand, is determined to break India's dominance and prove their mettle on foreign soil.

As the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon has unveiled his tactical approach to combat the formidable attacking prowess of Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant. Lyon, renowned for his guile and accuracy, acknowledges the immense challenge posed by Pant's explosive batting style."Bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant is a daunting task," Lyon admitted. "He possesses exceptional skills and leaves very little margin for error. As a bowler, you need to be at your best to contain him."Lyon's strategy revolves around forcing Pant to defend more by keeping him within the crease. "My aim is to restrict his attacking options and make him play within his crease," Lyon explained. "This will hopefully create opportunities for dismissals."Pant's recent return to red-ball cricket has been nothing short of sensational. After a near-fatal car accident, he made a remarkable comeback, scoring a century just 634 days after his return. His impressive record against Australia, with 624 runs at an average of 62.40, further underscores his match-winning capabilities.In the 2018-19 and 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy series, Pant played a pivotal role in India's victories. His heroic 89* in the fourth innings at the Gabba during India's last tour down under remains etched in the annals of cricket history.Lyon recognizes the threat posed by Pant and is determined to devise a plan that will neutralize his attacking instincts. "I'm not afraid of being hit for sixes," Lyon asserted. "But my focus is on creating chances and making Pant defend more. If I can do that, I believe we can limit his impact."As the Border Gavaskar Trophy draws near, the battle between Lyon and Pant promises to be one of the most captivating subplots. Lyon's experience and tactical acumen will be pitted against Pant's explosive batting and match-winning ability. The outcome of this contest could have a significant bearing on the outcome of the series.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has strongly criticized Australian spinner Nathan Lyon's bold prediction that Australia will sweep the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India by a 5-0 margin. Lyon's comments, made on the Willow Talk podcast, have sparked controversy and drawn a sharp response from Ali.Ali dismissed Lyon's prediction as "stupid," arguing that such remarks should not come from a cricketer. He pointed out that India has dominated Australia in the past two BGT series and that Lyon's comments were disrespectful. Ali urged Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to respond to Lyon's challenge and predict a 5-0 victory for India.Despite the BGT series being several months away, players from both sides have begun expressing their excitement and making bold predictions. While Lyon believes Australia will cruise to victory, his compatriot Travis Head has acknowledged the strength of the Indian team. Head stated that India is "extremely difficult" to play against and that he is looking forward to contributing to Australia's success in the upcoming series.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia is one of the most highly anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. The first Test will be played in Perth on November 22, and the series is expected to be fiercely competitive.

Australia's Nathan Lyon, a seasoned off-spinner, exudes confidence in his team's ability to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) from India during the upcoming Aussie summer. The BGT, which will be contested over five Tests for the first time, holds immense significance as it could determine a place in the World Test Championship final.Lyon, who has been meticulously analyzing the Indian batsmen since England's tour of India earlier this year, believes Australia will emerge victorious with a resounding 5-0 scoreline. He emphasizes the need for Australia's top batsmen to deliver substantial centuries to put pressure on India's pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah."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," Lyon asserted.The pain of not winning the BGT since 2014 has been palpable among Australian cricketers. Lyon, who has played a pivotal role in Australia's Test success, is eager to end this drought and bring the trophy back home."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... I love the game and I will watch a decent Test match, but I have had eyes on this series (BGT) for a long time now," Lyon said.Lyon's confidence stems from his meticulous preparation and understanding of the Indian batsmen's strengths and weaknesses. He has been taking notes and seeking insights from other spinners who have recently toured India."I had a really good chat with Tom Hartley (England spinner), just about the way he went about it, when (Yashasvi) Jaiswal went after him. That's something I picked up from him," Lyon revealed.With the BGT set to commence in December, the anticipation is building. Lyon's bold prediction has added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an enthralling series that could reshape the landscape of Test cricket.

Nathan Lyon, Australia's premier spinner, has candidly discussed the immense pressure he has felt throughout his career to live up to the legacy of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne.Warne, who retired in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, having taken 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Lyon, who made his Test debut in 2011, has emerged as Australia's go-to spinner, amassing 530 wickets in 129 appearances.Despite his impressive record, Lyon admits to still feeling the weight of Warne's shadow. "I still feel in the shadow of Shane Warne now, and I'm 129 Test matches in with 530 wickets," Lyon told Sky Sports Cricket. "The thing is, I'm happy with that, and I'm comfortable with that now."Lyon believes that the pressure he has faced has ultimately been a privilege. "A lot of us felt the pressure of Shane Warne's shadow, and it probably took me a good five, six, or seven years to understand that pressure is a privilege. And if you've got pressure, you're ok, you're doing ok; enjoy it," he said.While Lyon acknowledges that he will never be able to match Warne's unparalleled achievements, he remains determined to make his own mark on the game. "I'm never going to be able to do what Warnie did. Warnie's once-in-a-generation, he's the greatest to play the game in my opinion, and all I want to do is make my family proud, and make Shane Warne proud, and just go out there and compete," Lyon added.Lyon is currently just 34 wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches. He will have the opportunity to reach this milestone when Australia takes on India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in Perth on November 22.

Australia's veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has identified the three Indian batsmen he believes will pose the greatest threat in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series. The series will kick off with the first Test in Perth on November 22, followed by the second Test in Adelaide from December 6, the third Test in Brisbane from December 14, the fourth Test (Boxing Day Test) in Melbourne from December 26, and the fifth and final Test in Sydney from January 3.According to Lyon, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are the top three batsmen to watch out for in the series against Australia. Lyon acknowledged that facing the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will follow the trio, will be a significant challenge for the Australian team.In an interview with Star Sports, Lyon said: "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones. But then you've still got Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and who else will come out—another five, I'm not sure."Lyon emphasized the formidable nature of the Indian lineup. "But it's a pretty amazing line-up they've got, so it's going to be a massive challenge. As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defense," he said.The Indian team will embark on a challenging tour of Australia for a five-match Test series, commencing in November. Lyon's comments highlight the respect he has for the Indian batting lineup and the challenges that Australia will face in the upcoming series.

Nathan Lyon, the seasoned Australian spin wizard, has identified Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant as the pivotal Indian wickets to capture in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.Lyon, speaking to Star Sports, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by India's batting lineup. "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones," he said. "But then you have still got Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and who else will come out--another five, I am not sure. But it is a pretty amazing line-up they have got, so it is going to be a massive challenge."Lyon emphasized the importance of sustained bowling pressure to overcome India's formidable batting. "As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defense," he said.Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has a remarkable record in Australia, having amassed 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08. Sharma, the Indian captain, has also performed well in Australia, scoring 408 runs in seven Tests at an average of 31.38. Pant, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, has been in scintillating form in Australia, scoring 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, commencing on November 22 in Perth, promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Lyon, with his impressive record against India, will be a key figure in Australia's bowling attack. The series will feature four Tests, including a day-night Test in Adelaide and the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Nathan Lyon Praises Ravichandran Ashwin Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAustralian spinner Nathan Lyon has heaped praise on his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin as the two prepare to face off in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Lyon hailed Ashwin as a "master of the craft," acknowledging his exceptional skills and expertise in the art of spin bowling.The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series is set to commence on November 22, with the opening Test match taking place in Perth. This series will witness a thrilling clash between two cricketing giants, India and Australia.In an interview with Star Sports, Lyon expressed his admiration for Ashwin and his eagerness to compete against the best. "I know Ashwin, and we debuted around similar times, and we have competed against each other in a number of series now, and between me and Ashwin, I have got nothing but respect for him," Lyon said."I feel like I love watching him bowl, he is an absolute master in the craft of off-spin bowling, and it has been an absolute privilege to play against him and learn from him. Pretty exciting, it is obviously a massive summer for us out here, so we cannot wait to have the Indian guys out here," he added.The second Test, set for December 6 to 10 at the Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium lights. Following that, attention will shift to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, scheduled from December 14 to 18.The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the penultimate stage of the series. The fifth and final Test, from January 3 to 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, promises a dramatic conclusion to the contest.In 27 Tests against India, Nathan Lyon has claimed 121 wickets at an average of 31.56, with best bowling figures of 8/50. He has also recorded nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls in matches against India.

Geoffrey Boycott, the legendary England opener, has urged promising off-spinner Shoaib Bashir to emulate the bowling techniques of Nathan Lyon, whom he considers the preeminent off-spinner in contemporary cricket.Since his debut in India earlier this year, Bashir has claimed 29 wickets in seven Tests. However, he failed to make an impact in the second innings of the series opener against Sri Lanka at Manchester, as the batters effectively countered his variations by advancing down the pitch.Boycott believes that Bashir possesses the talent to improve significantly. He highlights Bashir's height and fluid action, which can generate bounce on hard surfaces and impart natural loop to his deliveries. However, he suggests that Bashir needs to refine his line and length consistency."My impression is he is not clear on what line he should be bowling so he tries all sorts of deliveries searching for a wicket," Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.Boycott recommends that Bashir study videos of Lyon's bowling. He notes that Lyon bowls close to the stumps, allowing him to drift the ball away from the batsman while aiming to pitch outside off stump and spin it back into the stumps."His straight-on ball brings slip in play and he has a short square leg for the bat/pad nick. That way he can beat right-handers inside and outside of the bat," Boycott explained.Boycott emphasizes the importance of matching line with length, as great bowlers must be able to control both aspects. He also advises Bashir to develop a stock ball that he can rely on to keep batters in check during Test matches."I think Shoaib has to learn that he can't always go searching for wickets, admirable as that is, because it can become expensive," Boycott wrote. "Sometimes when two opposition batsmen get set on a flat batting pitch the seamers are given the best end and the spinner the worst end. They are asked to bowl uphill or against the wind to do a holding job, keeping the batsmen quiet and runs to a minimum. That is why he needs a good stock ball."England currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The second Test will be played at Lord's on August 29, followed by the series finale at The Oval on September 6.