“It’s disappointing but they still got superstars,” Nathan Lyon assures Australia not to let their guard down in Virat Kohli’s absence

“It’s disappointing but they still got superstars,” Nathan Lyon assures Australia not to let their guard down in Virat Kohli’s absence

Nathon Lyon

Nathan Lyon

India skipper Virat Kohli is slated to miss the majority of the most anticipated Test series against Australia. Kohli will be on paternity leave for the last three of the four Test matches Down Under and it might prove to be the difference between the two sides. Despite the big loss, Nathan Lyon shares that Australia is not going to lower their guard against the number 1 Test side in the world.

The Aussie off-spinner feels that India will pose a great challenge with the likes of Cheteswar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in their side. Lyon shares that while Kohli’s absence will e a big relief, they still have a lot of homework to do as India will look to make it two of two this time around.

“Look at Pujara, Rahane, and they have also got a couple of young guys coming in. It’s still going to be a massive challenge for us. Just because Virat’s not here doesn’t mean we get to hold the trophy up. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, a lot of homework to do,” Lyon was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

It’s disappointing for the series

Virat Kohli in the Nottingham Test 2018
Virat Kohli

India’s last visit Down Under was a historic affair as they clinched their first series victory in 71 years on Australian soil. And it was Pujara’s sheer determination which led to the historic series win as he amassed 521 runs in the series including three centuries. Pujara, the mainstay of Indian middle order will be instrumental for India in Kohli’s absence.

Lyon hails Kohli’s absence a disappointment as he hailed him as one of the best in the world. The off-spinner has a tremendous record against the Indian skipper as he has dismissed him seven times in the longest format.

“It’s disappointing for the series. You want to play against the best players in the world,” Lyon said. “I believe he is the best player in the world along with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. It’s disappointing but they have still got superstars.”

Also read : ‘Virat Kohli’s absence to impact India,’ Australia head coach Justin Langer