Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has named India’s ‘big three’ wickets as they prepare for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which is already bringing all the excitement.
With the five-match Test series beginning on November 22, the stakes could not be higher as India look to complete a hat-trick of Test series wins on Australian soil for the first time.
After two consecutive victories in Australia on their previous tours, Team India will participate in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with an aim to complete the hat-trick of Test series victories later this year. However, Nathan Lyon has other plans for the much-awaited Test series.
Nathan Lyon gears up for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with focus on India’s ‘big three’ stars
Nathan Lyon has set his sights on Indian captain Rohit Sharma, batting maestro Virat Kohli and explosive wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant as the prized scalps in the upcoming Test series.
Experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon is aware that these three pillars of the Indian batting line-up are basically the biggest threats and their removal would be crucial in tipping the balance in Australia’s favour.
But that focus on star players does not take away from the fact that India have strong batting depth, with youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in scintillating form.
With India’s batting line-up looking stronger than ever, Lyon admitted that the challenge ahead is huge but the hosts are quite determined to snap India’s winning streak in the high-octane Test series.
We can challenge their defense: Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon told Star Sports: “Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will probably be the big three. But then there is Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and who else will come out; another five, I am not sure.
But they have an incredible line-up, so it will be a massive challenge. As I said, if we as a bowling group are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defence.”
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant statistics in Australia
Well, the dominance that Kohli has shown in Test cricket, especially on Australian soil, is simply phenomenal. In 13 matches, the former Indian captain has amassed 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08. He has managed six centuries and four half-centuries in 25 innings in Australia so far.
On the other hand, Indian captain Rohit has so far played only seven Tests in Australia, where he has amassed 408 runs at an average of 31.38, with his highest being an unbeaten 63. Overall, Rohit played 12 Tests against Australia, scoring 708 runs at an average of 33.71.
Talking about Pant, he has been explosive on Australian soil so far. The left-handed batsman has so far amassed 624 runs in seven matches and 12 innings at a staggering average of over 62.
His fearless approach has enabled him to score a memorable century, with a top score of 159*, besides two more half-centuries. He adds depth and power to India’s batting line-up in Australia.
