As the Australian cricket crew prepares for the upcoming three-match Test collection in opposition to Pakistan, the anticipation surrounding Nathan Lyon’s return after a calf damage is matched by the intriguing prospect of his battle with Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam. Lyon, fondly referred to as the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time), is getting ready to a historic milestone, whereas Babar Azam goals to showcase his prowess in opposition to the skilled off-spinner.
Just a reminder of what Nathan Lyon can do, @lancscricket followers!
He’ll function for the Red Rose in all competitions in 2024 pic.twitter.com/eveAE4dc4i
— County Championship (@CountyChamp) November 30, 2023
Lyon’s Comeback and Babar’s Challenge
Nathan Lyon’s untimely exit from the Ashes collection earlier this 12 months attributable to a calf damage left a void within the Australian bowling lineup. As he gears up for his return within the upcoming collection in opposition to Pakistan, Lyon acknowledges the problem posed by Babar Azam, whom he considers the “No.1 superstar” within the Pakistani lineup.
Expressing his admiration for Babar, Lyon acknowledged, “Babar, firstly, has been a pleasure to play against but he’s also been a massive challenge. He’s one of the best batters in the world in my eyes, especially against spin. He’s a class player. But think he’s a class player against all types of bowling. They’ve got some superstars in the side, and if I’m talking superstars he’s the No. 1 in the Pakistan side in my eyes. He played reasonably well out here last time so it’s going to be a big challenge for us for sure,” Lyon instructed ESPNcricinfo.
Head-to-Head Battle: Lyon vs. Babar
The Lyon-Babar rivalry has been a fascinating subplot in current encounters. Lyon has dismissed Babar 5 occasions since 2016, with the Pakistani batsman averaging 43 in opposition to the Australian off-spinner. However, Babar’s current kind, together with a century and a 97 within the earlier Test collection in Australia, suggests an intense battle on the horizon.
Expressing his heightened enthusiasm for Test cricket, Lyon remarked,Â
“The hunger to play Test matches is probably higher than ever, to be honest. I’m genuinely excited about it. I love playing at Optus Stadium in Perth. Facing Pakistan will indeed be a challenge, making it an exciting battle.”
Babar’s Form Down Under
Babar Azam’s performances in Australia have been commendable, accumulating 799 runs from 19 innings at a median of 44.39. His means to adapt to Australian circumstances was evident within the final collection, the place he emerged as one of many top-performing visiting batters. Lyon, along with his bag of methods, might be eager to problem Babar’s consistency on Australian soil.
Lyon’s Pursuit of 500 Test Wickets
Nathan Lyon stands on the verge of historical past, poised to turn into the eighth participant and the third Australian to achieve the milestone of 500 Test wickets. His return to the format brings added pleasure, and the Perth Test gives Lyon with a chance to make a big contribution to his crew whereas attaining a private milestone.
The Duel: Right-Arm Off-Spin vs. Babar Azam
In the current previous, Babar has confronted challenges in opposition to right-arm off-spinners, including one other layer of intrigue to his battle with Lyon. As cricket fanatics eagerly await the conflict between Lyon’s guile and Babar’s class, the competition guarantees to be a defining chapter within the narrative of this Test collection.
