Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who is the country’s best spinner since Shane Warne has stated his team is determined to prove their mettle on the field rather than making any uncharacteristic statements ahead of the two match Test series against Bangladesh starting in Dhaka on 27th August.
Given Bangladesh’ strong performance at home in the recent past, it won’t be an easy job for Steve Smith & Co to return triumphant from Bangladesh.
“I think we are going to have to wait and see,” Lyon told reporters at Mirpur on Friday. Reacting to Shakib Al Hasan’s comments that Bangladesh wants to win the Test series by a clear margin Lyon said,
“Both teams haven’t come up against each other, so it is a big statement, to come out and say that. But everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. We are just worried about what we are doing, to be honest,” he said.
Australia last toured Bangladesh way back in 2006 and was given a stern test in the opening match but eventually, the visitors swept the series 2-0. The 2006 series also happens to be the last time that the two teams locked horns in the longest format of the game.
“We are going to play cricket with a smile on our face and compete hard against Bangladesh. They are a good side and we are here to play two Tests and we are going to do our best, and hopefully walk away with the series win,” Lyon said.
Despite the generation perception being that the tracks in Bangladesh will be spin friendly, Lyon is of the opinion that their pace brigade will play an equally important role.
“We have got three very good fast bowlers in the squad with Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird who can get the ball moving in these conditions. We have seen them do it before in Sri Lanka and India. I don’t think it will be any different in Bangladesh,” Lyon said.
“I think for us Australians will be about bowling in partnerships and bowling well together to take 20 wickets. It is not me versus someone else. It is a team game, and we are here to take 20 wickets,” he added.
Lyon who served as a ground staff ahead of his international career feels that the team winning the toss will be eager to bat first.
“I haven’t studied or done any curating for about seven years, so I think I have lost my trade. But it is another cricket wicket. It will be same for both sides. I dare say whoever wins the toss will look to bat first. In the subcontinent, it is a general rule. We have to adapt to the conditions quickly and play good cricket,” the offie signed off.