India vs Australia: Nathan Lyon shares that Australia has ‘couple of things up their sleeve’ if Cheteshwar Pujara ‘does get in’

India vs Australia: Nathan Lyon shares that Australia has ‘couple of things up their sleeve’ if Cheteshwar Pujara ‘does get in’

Nathan Lyon and Cheteshwar Pujara

Nathan Lyon and Cheteshwar Pujara
Nathan Lyon and Cheteshwar Pujara

While India’s historic batting collapse at Adelaide has become the talk of the town. It was the battle between Cheteshwar Pujara and Nathan Lyon on the first day was a treat to watch. Lyon cleverly worked his way around while Pujara was left poking around with occasional use of his feet. The battle became the highlight of the day one of the pink-ball Test. And it was the Aussie who had the last laugh as he dismissed Pujara for the 10th time in Test cricket.

Weighing in on the hosts plan for him at the MCG, Lyon refused to show his card this early in the series. But the crafty offspinner dropped a hint that Australia is more than prepared for India’s number three. Lyon shares how he has adapted over the years to his role in the side. And adds that he is always up for a challenge.

“I cannot reveal all my secrets, Pujara is a world-class batter, he will be a challenge for us in the rest of the series, we have a couple of things up our sleeve. If he does get in, hopefully, we can use them to the ploy, but Pujara is definitely a world-class batter,” said Lyon during a virtual press conference.

“I know the Indian batsman will look to come after me when you look at the quality we have in the pace department, I think it is one of their tactics to come after me which is totally fine. I am used to guys coming after me, it is just about me knowing when to attack and when to defend and realise who I am bowling with at the other end. It is all a great challenge, to be honest.“

There are some world-class players in their lineup

Virat Kohli

Following the series opener, captain Virat Kohli returned home for the birth of his first child. The paternal leave couldn’t have come at a worse time as the time strives to put the Adelaide debacle behind them. The absence of the modern-day great has left a huge void in the lineup. And Lyon feels that India has the depth to fill it. He shares that the visitors have some great players and Australia is expecting a good fight from them.

“You look at the Indian side, there are still some world-class players in their lineup, Pujara, and Rahane, just to name a couple. You still have the likes of Rahul and Agarwal as well who have been exceptional so I think there are enough guys in the Indian squad who can fill Virat’s shoes, obviously, Virat is a world-class player. We wish him all the best for the birth of his first child.“

“It is going to be a big challenge for us again, we will start our preparation really well and make sure we are prepared to take on India again in the Boxing Day Test. It is going to be another big challenge for us,” he added.

The second Test is scheduled from 26th December at the iconic MCG. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the side as India looks to keep the series alive after a mauling in the pink-ball Test.

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