Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, who was the star performer for Australia in the recently concluded five-match Test Down Under, believes that if his side just goes out and enjoys the game during their forthcoming series against India then they have the ability to “compete against the best” in foreign conditions as well.
Lyon, however, added that the upcoming tournament is going to be a great challenge for Australia and they need to keep their preparations right.
“We get a great opportunity to play a lot of white-ball cricket before the World Cup so I think if we can go out and enjoy ourselves, make sure our preparation is right, then we can compete against the best in their conditions as well. It will be a great challenge for us, there’s no point shying away from that. It’s a great opportunity for a young side,” Lyon was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.
Before flying to India, the 31-year-old would be participating in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Sixers. The right-arm bowler believes his small stint in the tournament would help him strengthen his chances for ICC 2019 World Cup.
“Hopefully my World Cup campaign, my selection, will start on Sunday. I just need to keep putting in good performances with the ball and making sure I can play my role, whichever side I’m playing in whether that’s the Sixers or Australia,” Lyon added.
“I know my role in the Australian set-up with captain Aaron Finch, we just have to keep working on it and ensuring we are playing an exciting brand of cricket. There’s a massive…couple of goals just around the corner for the Australian side,” Lyon said.
Australia’s India tour kick-starts on 24 February. The Aussie team will play two T20I match series followed by a five-match series.