RAWALPINDI: Australian Test spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed that he wants Australia to whitewash Pakistan 3-0 in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, commencing here on March 4.
Lyon, while talking to a virtual press conference revealed that he is hopeful of Australia whitewashing Pakistan 3-0 in the upcoming Benaud-Qadir Trophy.
“There is a lot of confidence in the team after the Ashes’ triumph. We take the field with a mindset to win every game. Our target is to whitewash Pakistan 3-0,” he said.
Lyon, however, said it will be challenging for the touring side as the Aussies are playing an away Test series after 2019.
“We will be playing Test cricket after 2019 in away conditions. So I think it will be challenging for us,” he said.
“However, we will take the field against Pakistan with a positive mindset,” he added.
Lyon also highlighted his eagerness to bowl to Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam, saying that he is looking forward to bowling to Babar.
“I think Babar Azam is one of the greatest batters in modern cricket currently. I can not wait to bowl him in the Test series,” he said.
The Australian off-spinner and the former pitch curator also commented on the pitch for the Rawalpindi Test said he expects the pitch at Rawalpindi Stadium to be “pretty nice to bat on” for the first couple of days before taking some spin.
“Right now the pitch is shining, the first two days will help the batting, while it may also assist the spin later,” he said.
Lyon, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped on the idea of playing with two spinners, while also hinting towards part-timers Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
The right-arm spinner also revealed that the 34-years-old is feeling proud to tour Pakistan for the historic tour.
“I am very happy and proud to be a part of the team that is coming to Pakistan after 24 years,” he said.
“Australia playing cricket in Pakistan is important for world cricket and Pakistani cricket fans. Not only in Australia but also in Pakistan, Australian players can become role models by playing cricket in the country,” he added.
It is apropos to mention here that the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will roll into action from March 4. The three-match series will take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore respectively.
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