Synopsis
Nathan Lyon emphasizes that the Australian Test team is making significant strides towards achieving greatness in cricket, aiming to solidify their legacy with notable victories and strong performances.Key Takeaways
- Nathan Lyon believes Australia is on the path to greatness.
- The team aims to go 2-0 up during the Sri Lanka tour.
- Recognizing outstanding players within the team is essential.
- Improving performance is a continuous process.
- Lyon feels a sense of camaraderie among the bowlers.
Galle, Feb 3 (NationPress) Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon asserts that the current Test squad is on a path to achieving greatness in the longer format, which he identified as their ultimate objective.
Australia kicked off their Sri Lanka tour with a decisive victory – winning by an innings and 242 runs in the series opener at Galle, shortly after they reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 victory over India.
"I was sharing a drink with Mitch Starc (after the match) and we discussed this. I feel there’s a strong drive within this team. It’s about us on our path to becoming a remarkable team, ensuring we lead 2-0. We’re on that path; we haven’t reached it yet, but that’s our ultimate aim.
"Our goal is to be recognized as a great team, and part of that journey involves sealing a window tightly to prevent anyone from re-entering. These are just my thoughts, but we have some exceptional players in that locker room.
"Look at Smithy (Steve Smith) achieving 10,000 runs, and Starcy nearing 100 Test matches. It’s not only the players here; we have extraordinary talent at home too, whether they’re injured or on paternity leave. It’s a team mentality, and that’s how it should be," Lyon expressed to journalists on Monday.
He also highlighted that Australia has yet to secure the Ashes in England and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India, which could happen in 2027. "There are several things that Australia needs to accomplish. These are merely my thoughts as well. We have outstanding players within that change-room; there’s no reason to shy away from that.
Lyon has been bowling alongside fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, and he believes the young spinners have great potential for the future.
"We’re doing alright, but I still think there’s ample room for improvement. It’s about being relentless. We’re three completely different bowlers with unique mindsets. I feel like I’m learning from Todd and Matt, and they’re motivating me to improve as well. I hope I’m passing on some knowledge here and there.
Lyon, who took seven wickets in Galle, concluded by mentioning he still experiences some discomfort in his left hip, an injury he sustained during the home summer. "But I didn’t have to rely on it today, so all is well. Apparently, I tore the deep tissue from the fascia [hip muscle], whatever that entails. There was some excess blood or something in there. Not ideal, but it’s all good now," he wrapped up.
