Big challenges await Australia after Ashes glory

AUSTRALIAN off-spinner Nathan Lyon is excited for the nation’s upcoming test schedule.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Australians haven’t played a Test series overseas since the 2019 Ashes in England.

While since that time the Aussies have had 10 wins, two losses and two draws record at home which has seen them regain the top place in the ICC test rankings, Lyon isn’t yet buying into the hype.

The team’s first challenge away from home will be a three-test away series in Pakistan this March, and Lyon says the team is keen to “challenge” themselves in a different environment.

“I think the depth of Australian cricket is really strong at the moment,” Lyon said on SEN 1170 Drive.

“But the big challenge for us moving forward is actually performing outside of Australia.

“We all know how hard it is to win tests overseas, we’ve got some big challenges ahead.

“Let’s judge ourselves on our performances overseas.”

One of the reasons Lyon and his teammates are so keen to test themselves overseas is due to the fact that it’ll be Pat Cummins’ first series away from home as captain.

While he’s only skippered the nation in five tests thus far, Lyon says the impact he’s already had while in charge has been noticeable.

“It [Cummins’ captaincy] has been really good to be honest with you,” Lyon said.

“Obviously being a bowler – and it helps when it’s one of your best mates as captain as well – you’ve always going to support him and you’ve always got the confidence in him to do an amazing job.

“But I think Patty has been absolutely brilliant, he’s been a big driver in being really calm and relentless.

“I think that’s really allowed a lot of us players to go out there and play the brand of cricket that they want to play and go out there and perform and put on a show for everyone.

“I think that’s been a big driver and hats off to Patty, to be honest.”

Australia’s first Test in Pakistan is set to begin on 3 March in Karachi. The series will then head to Rawalpindi before the third and final Test which will be played in Lahore.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN