Australian tour of Pakistan: Spinner Nathan Lyon said it was a proud moment for the Pat Cummins-led side to become the first Australian team to travel to Pakistan in more than two decades. Australia will play 3 Tests from March 4th.
Nathan Lyon will be key to Australia’s chances in upcoming 3-Test series in Pakistan (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Australia are ready to play 3 Tests in Pakistan from March 4th
- Nathan Lyon said he was looking forward to the ‘tough challenge’
- The first test will be held in Rawalpindi from Friday
Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon claimed his attitude is to win every game he plays for Australia and nothing will change when they take on Pakistan in a historic 3-Test in the Asian nation. The side, led by Pat Cummins, are the first Australian team to promote Pakistan in 24 years.
The two teams that trained in Rawalpindi will play the first test at Pindi Cricket Stadium from March 4th. The 2nd Test will be played in Karachi and the 3rd in Lahore before the two teams will play 3 ODIs and a singles match. T20i.
Australia celebrated a 4-0 Ashes series win over England earlier this year and while they face completely different conditions in Pakistan, Lyon said the aim is to win every game.
“My mindset is every game we go to, we want to win, not draw or lose. My mindset is to win 3-0 in Pakistan,” said Lyon.
Large teams have avoided Pakistan since an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six police officers and two civilians, but international groups have recently started touring the country again. Australia’s tour comes at a crucial time for Pakistan as England and New Zealand pulled out of their scheduled tours last year, citing safety concerns.
Spinner Ashton Agar has faced death threats on social media, but both captain Cummins and vice-captain Steve Smith have downplayed safety concerns and said they are well looked after by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“Pakistan haven’t had the opportunity to have a lot of international cricket here for a number of years, so to be able to be the first Australian team to come here to play… It’s quite a proud moment,” said Lyon.
“We spoke as a group about how big it is for the people of Pakistan to see the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Marnus Labuschagne… these guys are proud to come out here and be a part of the models.”
IT WILL BE CHALLENGING: LYON
Lyon said the wickets looked similar to those in the United Arab Emirates and he expected a good trajectory early in the opening game before turning and hitting back later.
“My role will change during the test matches. There will be times when I will be in a holding role… where there is opportunity for me to attack more, I will,” Lyon said.
“All of the bowlers on our roster are well prepared to play any role required to perform well. It will be a challenge but we have the squad to cover all areas.”
