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As he gets ready to play in Test cricket again
following his Ashes-ending calf injury earlier this year, Nathan Lyon is more
eager than ever to take on the task of bowling against “superstar”
Babar Azam.
After a protracted recovery from the first serious
injury of his Test career, Lyon has managed three Sheffield Shield appearances
in the last month. He will return in match number 101 against Pakistan as an
integral member of Australia’s attack.
Lyon has amassed 22 wickets in three matches at Optus
Stadium in Perth, the site of the first Test of the season. However, he
anticipates a formidable struggle from Pakistan, particularly from Babar, whom
he regards in the highest regard.
Babar averages 44.38 in 10 Test matches against
Australia. He struck a fantastic 196 in Karachi last year to salvage the match
before Lyon replaced him at a critical juncture in the Lahore final. Babar
recently resigned as captain of both formats. Additionally, he was one of the
few bright spots from their most recent trip to Australia in 2019–2020, where
he achieved scores of 97 and 101.
“Babar, firstly, has been a pleasure to play
against but he’s also been a massive challenge,” Lyon told. “He’s one
of the best batters in the world in my eyes, especially against spin. He’s a
class player. But think he’s a class player against all types of bowling.
“They’ve got some superstars in the side, and if
I’m talking superstars he’s the No. 1 in the Pakistan side in my eyes. He
played reasonably well out here last time so it’s going to be a big challenge
for us for sure.”
Following his aborted Ashes series, Lyon will begin
the home summer on 496 Test wickets and given his record in Perth there is
every chance he can become the eighth bowler, and third Australia, to reach
five hundred during the match.
“The hunger level for playing Test matches is
probably higher than ever, if I’m being honest,” he said. “I’m proper
excited about it. Love playing in Perth at Optus Stadium. It’s going to be a
challenge against Pakistan, so it’s going to be an exciting battle.”