The last time Pakistan and Australia played a Test series, the wickets were criticised for being one dimensional and a boon for batting. The series played in the later part of 2014 in UAE, had Australian bowlers struggling as hardly any ball bounced over the knees. The Pakistani batsmen went on to amass runs with sheer ease and then later, the leg spin of Yasir Shah did the trick as Australia was hammered 2-0 in the 2 match series.
This time around, however, with Australia hosting the three-match Test series, one can expect the pitches to remain lively and juicy throughout the series. That statement was seconded by Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, as he admitted that the hosts were anticipating a bouncy surface for the series opener at the Gabba.
“They play spin well but hopefully I can generate a bit more bounce than I did in the UAE,” Lyon said. “Hopefully there will be a little bit more pace in the wicket as well so if there are any nicks they will carry and I will be able to hit the splice of the bats with a few bat-pads and a few caught I hope.”
When asked about his own inclusion for the game, Lyon said that he was confident of playing the test. “I’ll tell you one thing, this is my sixth Gabba Test and every year you guys seem to write that,” Lyon said. “So I’ll leave you guys to write that, that there’s going to be four quicks and stuff. I’m confident of playing, I’ll put it that way.”
Lyon had an indifferent series against South Africa as he struggled for wickets in the first two games at Perth and Hobart. Nevertheless, the off-spinner struck in Australia’s victory in Adelaide. Speaking about that, Lyon added that he was bowling well despite not getting the rewards.
“I felt like I was bowling well,” Lyon said. “There were a couple of chances that went down here and there but I’m never going to sit here and blame anyone for missing a chance. We train hard enough and that’s just the way cricket goes. “I was actually happy with the way I was bowling and to be able to come out in Adelaide and contribute to a Test match win, that’s my biggest thing. My biggest thing is bowling well in partnerships and going out there and taking 20 wickets as a bowling group.”