Cricket

'2-0 is a big statement'

Australia's top spinner Nathan Lyon (R) was unimpressed by all the talk of a series whitewash emanating from the Bangladesh camp. PHOTO: STAR

Even before reaching Bangladesh all eyes were on Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon after his performance in India, which spectacularly catapulted him into the position of Australia's number one spinner.

With tails up after the success against England last year, the Tigers have already started to play mind games with the team that brought the phrase 'mental disintegration' to cricket as Shakib Al Hasan, along with coach Chandika Hathurusingha and captain Mushfiqur Rahim, have already said that they are looking for a 2-0 result in the two-Test series.

However, according to Lyon it's a big statement to make from the home side and he informed that time will tell what is going to happen in the coming days.

"I think we are going to have to wait and see. 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 opinions. We are just worried about what we are doing, to be honest. They can come out and say whatever they want. We are training and preparing well. We are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead," said a confident Lyon to the media after the training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

The 29-year-old picked up 19 wickets at an average of 25.26 in the four Tests against India recently, including an eight-wicket haul in Bengaluru which has perhaps given Lyon a much-needed confidence boost.

"I think as a team we have grown a lot. We had a decent tour of India. It was disappointing not to get over the line with the series win but to win a game in those conditions, in Pune, was pretty special. The team has got a lot of belief out of that; it is pretty much the same squad here in Bangladesh. We are quietly confident in our own processes to get the job done here in Bangladesh. Personally, I am very happy with the way I am bowling," he said.

The cricketer from New South Wales was spotted when he was a net bowler in Adelaide before working as a ground staff, is just a wicket away from equalling late Australian legendary leg-spinner Richie Benaud on 247 Test scalps. Lyon however said that he is not thinking of personal glories but focusing more on contributing to the team.

Meanwhile, Lyon told Cricket Australia's website that they were yet unsure about which pitch would be used for the first Test.

"I've had a look at the wicket and I'm not really sure what to expect. I was talking to the Bangladesh coach last night 'Chandi' [Chandika Hathurusingha], who was coach of NSW boys, and he didn't even tell us what wicket we're playing on. It's going to be interesting, we're just going to have to adapt."

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'2-0 is a big statement'

Australia's top spinner Nathan Lyon (R) was unimpressed by all the talk of a series whitewash emanating from the Bangladesh camp. PHOTO: STAR

Even before reaching Bangladesh all eyes were on Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon after his performance in India, which spectacularly catapulted him into the position of Australia's number one spinner.

With tails up after the success against England last year, the Tigers have already started to play mind games with the team that brought the phrase 'mental disintegration' to cricket as Shakib Al Hasan, along with coach Chandika Hathurusingha and captain Mushfiqur Rahim, have already said that they are looking for a 2-0 result in the two-Test series.

However, according to Lyon it's a big statement to make from the home side and he informed that time will tell what is going to happen in the coming days.

"I think we are going to have to wait and see. 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 opinions. We are just worried about what we are doing, to be honest. They can come out and say whatever they want. We are training and preparing well. We are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead," said a confident Lyon to the media after the training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

The 29-year-old picked up 19 wickets at an average of 25.26 in the four Tests against India recently, including an eight-wicket haul in Bengaluru which has perhaps given Lyon a much-needed confidence boost.

"I think as a team we have grown a lot. We had a decent tour of India. It was disappointing not to get over the line with the series win but to win a game in those conditions, in Pune, was pretty special. The team has got a lot of belief out of that; it is pretty much the same squad here in Bangladesh. We are quietly confident in our own processes to get the job done here in Bangladesh. Personally, I am very happy with the way I am bowling," he said.

The cricketer from New South Wales was spotted when he was a net bowler in Adelaide before working as a ground staff, is just a wicket away from equalling late Australian legendary leg-spinner Richie Benaud on 247 Test scalps. Lyon however said that he is not thinking of personal glories but focusing more on contributing to the team.

Meanwhile, Lyon told Cricket Australia's website that they were yet unsure about which pitch would be used for the first Test.

"I've had a look at the wicket and I'm not really sure what to expect. I was talking to the Bangladesh coach last night 'Chandi' [Chandika Hathurusingha], who was coach of NSW boys, and he didn't even tell us what wicket we're playing on. It's going to be interesting, we're just going to have to adapt."

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