Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia’s ace off spinner Nathan Lyon on Wednesday said the hosts are still not the favourites over a depleted India side ahead of the fourth and final test at Gabba starting from Friday. The Indian side is plagued with injuries to key players ahead of the all important deciding fourth test. The latest in the list of injured players on this ongoing tour is Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.
“I wouldn’t say that (Australia have the advantage). You look at the class throughout the Indian squad, yes they will be missing a couple of big players but they have got a talented squad they can pick from,” Lyon said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
“To be honest, we have to worry about our preparation. We can’t look too far at what they are doing. As bowlers, we are very well suited for the Gabba and hopefully, we can put them into play nice and early when we have the ball in hand.”
Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, having won 33, drawn 13, tied one, and lost eight out of the 55 matches played at Brisbane.
“We do have an amazing record here at Gabba, we do have the confidence and we know how to play a really positive brand of cricket here at Brisbane. But we can’t rest on that. We know how talented India are and how hungry they are to win this series.”
Lyon was effusive in his praise for fellow off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, adding that the Indian has done well to adapt to the Australian conditions.
“Ashwin has bowled very well, I have said throughout my career that he is a world-class bowler. Absolutely incredible to watch, he has definitely adapted well coming in to Australia, so hats off to him.”
Talking about teammate Steve Smith, who was accused of scuffing up Rishabh Pant’s guard in Sydney, Lyon said, “I’m really disappointed with the way that everyone has jumped on the back of him. He’s played close to 80-odd Test matches and I think he’s done that in every Test match he’s ever played.”
Lyon said that skipper Tim Paine, who came under fire after his verbal duel against Ashwin in the third Test, showed great character by owning up to his mistakes after the match.
“I think Paine showed a lot of humility and a great leader attitude to put his hand up and say that he didn’t play the game he wanted to play. Yes, we didn’t have the game we wanted, he probably became too emotional in the game but he’s owned that.”
One of the most successful spinners in the modern era, with 396 Test wickets to his name, Lyon will be eyeing his 400th scalp while playing in his landmark 100th Test at the Gabba.
The series is currently locked at 1-1.