Bowling to Jaiswal will be a massive challenge for us: Nathan Lyon

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has admitted that Yashasvi Jaiswal will prove to be a significant obstacle in the Kangaroos’ quest to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they last held at the start of 2017.

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut in June last year, has had a stupendous start to his Test career, having amassed 1,028 runs at an average of 68.53, smashing two double-tons in his first nine Tests. 

In the five-Test series against England earlier this year, Jaiswal became the first Indian batter since Sunil Gavaskar in 1978/79 to hammer over 700 runs in a series. With teams yet to spot a chink in the left-hander’s armour, Lyon believes it will be a ‘massive challenge’ for Australia to bowl to the 22-year-old.

"I haven't come across him [Jaiswal] yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers," Lyon said, reported ESPNcricinfo.

"The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing.”

The veteran off-spinner, who has had an extended County stint with Lancashire, revealed he had really encouraging chats regarding Jaiswal and other Indian batters with Lancashire teammate Tom Hartley, who had a very good tour of India, claiming 22 wickets in five Tests.

"I had some really good chats with Tom Hartley about different ways he went about it to different guys which I found quite interesting,” Lyon said.

"I love talking about cricket, so if I can talk to someone who has played Test cricket I might be able to pick up something I'm not aware of. There's so much knowledge floating around this game that we can always tap into."

Since the 2-0 victory over India at home in 2014/15, Australia have lost four consecutive series against the Men in Blue, including two at home. All in all, it’s been a decade since the Kangaroos last won a Test series against India anywhere.

Lyon asserted that he and the entire group are extremely hungry to set the record straight and get back to winning ways against the world's second-ranked team.

"It's been ten years of unfinished business, it's been a long time, and I know we're extremely hungry to turn things around, especially here at home," Lyon said. 

"Don't get me wrong, India is an absolute superstar side and extremely challenging but I'm extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back.”

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