The fourth and final Test in Brisbane will be Nathan Lyon’s 100th appearance and he is all set to join Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and eight other Australian legends in the longest format.
The ‘No.13’ on the coveted list would consider himself luckier if Australia beat India at the Gabba and clinch the series.
“I’ve had a chance to reflect on it because when I first made my Test debut (against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2011), I thought, ‘Jeez, how amazing is this!’ I was very grateful and humbled to play one Test for Australia.
“But after completing my 99th and looking forward to Friday, it’s been very exciting because I look at the other 12 guys who have played more than 100 Tests for Australia, and they’re pure legends. Not just for Australia, but even those all around the world...
“I’m going to pinch myself each and every day to see my name up against those fellows,” Lyon said during Wednesday’s virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Pictures Sports Network.
“Just the thought of playing 100 Tests for Australia is very humbling and I’m really hoping we can play the positive brand of cricket that we know we can play, and walk away with a series win,” the off-spinner added.
At 33, with more than nine years at the highest level, Lyon is of course not getting any younger. But he’s “far from done and hungrier than ever”.
“I want to go out there and play as much cricket as I can for Australia and win a lot of Test series. I’ve obviously learnt so much, grown in confidence quite a fair bit. I’m still learning and will continue to learn, 100 Test matches and beyond,” he said.
Lyon hasn’t been too effective in the current series, having taken only six wickets from the three Tests. He needs four more wickets to reach the 400-mark.
That he bowled without luck has also been a factor, while Lyon also gave Indian batsmen their due credit.
“They’ve come up with some really good plans to combat me. But I’ve been able to create some chances and I’m happy with the way they’re coming out,” he said.
