Lyon prepared for battle with ‘superstar’ Babar in the return of the test

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Lyon prepared for battle with 'superstar' Babar in the return of the test


Nathan Lyon’s hunger for Test cricket has never been greater as he prepares for his return following the calf injury that ended the Ashes earlier this year and he is particularly keen on the challenge of bowling against the “superstar” Babar Azam.

Lyon has staged three Sheffield Shield outings over the last month after a lengthy rehabilitation from the first major injury of his Test career and will resume in the 101st match against Pakistan as a key part of Australia’s attack.

Perth’s Optus Stadium, venue of the opening Test of the season, is a happy hunting ground for Lyon, where they have taken 22 wickets in three matches, but expect a tough challenge from Pakistan, and in particular Babar, whom he values ​​very highly.
Babar, who recently resigned from the Pakistan captaincy, averages 44.38 in 10 Tests against Australia and scored a magnificent 196 in Karachi last year to save the match before Lyon removed him at a crucial stage of the decider in Lahore. He was also one of the few positives from his last visit to Australia in 2019-2020 when he posted scores of 97 and 101.

“First of all, it has been a pleasure to play against Babar, but it has also been a great challenge,” Lyon told ESPNcricinfo. “In my opinion, he is one of the best batsmen in the world, especially against spin. He is a class player. But I think he is a class player against all types of bowling.

“They have some superstars in the team, and if I talk about superstars, in my opinion, he is the number one in the Pakistan team. He played reasonably well here last time, so it will be a big challenge for us.” sure.”

After their aborted Ashes series, Lyon will begin the summer at home with 496 Test wickets and, given his record in Perth, there is every chance he could become the eighth bowler, and the third from Australia, to reach a five-hundred during the game.

“The level of hunger to play Test matches is probably higher than ever, if I’m honest,” he said. “I’m really excited about it. I love playing in Perth at the Optus Stadium. It will be a challenge against Pakistan, so it will be an exciting battle.”

Lyon took four wickets in his three Shield outings for New South Wales and did not have a massive workload in the last match at the SCG, which dominated the pace bowler. But he has been spending a lot of time in the networks, including a three-hour stint with his mentor John Davison, and is very comfortable with his preparation.

“My rehabilitation has been exceptional,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of good people by my side helping me, making sure I was ticking every box and doing everything that needed to be done. “If I wasn’t coming out of cricket I would have been questioning it, but three Shield Games, one one-day game , a grade game and a lot of training. [leaves me] feel really happy with how things are.”

There is one more domestic outing on Lyon’s calendar before he flies to Perth, and it will be a bit unusual as he prepares for his new BBL team, Melbourne Renegades, for a match against the Sydney Sixers, which will feature Steven Smith, in the SCG.

“It’s going to be a bit different coming to the SCG and sitting in the visitor’s lounges. I’ve never actually done that,” he said. “But I’m not going to lie, one eye is on Test cricket.”

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