The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is set to commence on March 4.
Senior Australia spinner, Nathan Lyon, has reiterated his ambition to win every time he represents the national side by stating his eyes are set at a 3-0 win against Pakistan in the upcoming Test series between the two nations. The bowler appeared confident of the team’s chances by suggesting that a draw is never going to be their first choice option in any of their outings.
However, Lyon did not shy away from the fact that given the conditions, it could be a challenge for Australia when they come up against the home team. The 34-year-old believes they have a decent squad that can achieve success in any given conditions. Talking further on his role in the team, the off-spinner suggested he is willing to take both the attacking as well as the holding role with his bowling, depending on what his team requires.
“My mindset is every game we go into, we will look to win, not draw or lose. My mindset is to win 3-0 in Pakistan,” Lyon said, as quoted by India Today. My role is going to change across the Test matches. There’s going to be times where I’ll be in a holding role … where there is an opportunity for me to be more attacking I will,” he added.
Australia’s tour to Pakistan viewed as historic
Australia’s tour to Pakistan is a historic one, with the team playing in the Southeast Asian nation for the first time since their last tour in 1999. Notably, the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, has deprived Pakistani fans of much international cricket in their country. Commenting on the same, Lyon stated of them being proud as a team to play a part in the rejuvenation of international cricket in Pakistan.
“Pakistan hasn’t had the opportunity to have a lot of international cricket here over a number of years so to be able to be the first Australian team to come here to play … It’s a pretty proud moment,” Lyon said. The tour consists of three Tests, three ODIs, and one T20I. The first Test begins on March 4th in Rawalpindi.
