Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon, who is nine wickets short to reach the 400 Test wickets mark, believes that India has world-class players in their squad who can fill the big shoes of Virat Kohli. Leaving the team to face Australia in the last three Test matches, the Indian skipper has flown back home to attend the birth of his first child.
Virat Kohli captained India in the opening Test match which was their maiden pink-ball Test against Australia at their home. However, unfortunately, the skipper could not guide them to victory before leaving them. To make the case worse, India also registered the lowest Test total (36) in their second innings to give them the deeper scare of the defeat.
We’re expecting them to come out firing: Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon reckons that India won’t be in a big difficulty because of their captain’s departure. He believes that the visiting nation has got some absolutely world-class players who will step in to take responsibility.
“I don’t think it will be that difficult. You look at the quality of players in the Indian side and they have got some absolutely world-class players throughout the whole squad,” Lyon told reporters on Wednesday.
Talking about an embarrassing defeat for India, Lyon said that it’s a part of the game and Australia was fortunate because everything went as per their plan.
“That was one of those days when nothing went right for them, and everything went right for us. We’ve all had them, it’s part of the game of cricket.
Nathan Lyon expects India to bounce back stronger in the Boxing Day Test match, which is scheduled to begin on December 26 in Melbourne.
“We’re expecting them to come out firing and not have any scars from the other day. Cricket’s a new day, new game every time. I know we can’t expect to go and bowl them out for 50 again so we have to make sure we’re preparing well.”
As Cheteshwar Pujara and other Indian batsmen took an attacking approach against Lyon in the first Test, Lyon stated that he had also his plan for them in the coming Test match.
“India will try and attack me again,” he added.
“I think it’s one of their tactics to come after me, which is totally fine, I’m pretty used to it. It’s up to me to know when to attack and when to defend as well. It’s all fun and part of cricket, especially when you’re a little spin bowler.”
With the win, Australia maintained their winning streak in the pink-ball Test, winning all the eight matches played at home.