Australian cricket team’s experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon has opined that the level of the series between Australia and India is reaching closer to that of the Ashes among the Australian players and fans. The Ashes is the oldest and the most prestigious rivalry in Test cricket, while the rivalry between Australia and India has reached the next level in the last 20-30 years.
Commenting on the Code Sports podcast, Nathan Lyon compared the rivalries. Lyon has been a part of the Australian squad in multiple Ashes series as well as Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Having played in both series for Australia, he gave his views on the competition level.
“It’s massive. It’s getting very similar to an Ashes series as the pinnacle series for an Australian cricketer,” said Lyon while describing the level of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The last series that happened between Australia and India was reckoned by many as one of the best Test series. The Indian cricket team started the series with an embarrassing defeat in the pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval. However, they bounced back in style with two wins and a draw to win the series.
Last year, England toured Australia for the Ashes, but they were drubbed 0-4 by the Aussies.
Nathan Lyon feels series against India will be a bigger challenge in 2022 keeping WTC Finals in mind
The 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle is underway currently, with both Australia and India being the prime contenders to reach the final. Australia will tour India for a Test series later this year, and as per Lyon, it will be a very important one for the Australian cricket team.
“This series with the Test Championship on the line as well it’s going to be even more important and probably a bigger challenge,” added Lyon.
It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top when Australia tours India later this year.
