Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, is eager to utilize the insights he gained from England’s Tom Hartley during his stint with Lancashire to counter India’s formidable batting lineup later this year. Australia has not claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15, and Lyon is determined to rectify that.
Lyon acknowledges India’s exceptional talent pool, highlighting opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as a rising star. However, he has also sought knowledge from Hartley, who has faced Jaiswal in county cricket. Lyon believes these conversations will provide valuable information on how to approach the Indian batters.
“I haven’t come across him [Jaiswal] yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers,” Lyon said. “The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing. I had some really good chats with Tom Hartley about different ways he went about it to different guys which I found quite interesting.”
Lyon’s county experience has not only benefited his preparation for India but also for next year’s Ashes. He recognizes that the knowledge he has acquired could be reciprocated by Hartley, but he remains confident that the insights will prove valuable.
“If the plans we’ve spoken about come to true, then I think it will be,” Lyon added.
Josh Hazlewood, another survivor from the 2014-15 series, echoed Lyon’s sentiments. He acknowledged Australia’s recent struggles against India and emphasized the importance of winning at home.
“There are quite a few players who have never beaten India in a Test series. It’s quite astounding to say that,” Hazlewood said. “That’s one we need to tick off, definitely, in particular at home – we should pretty much win every series here at home.”
The five Tests against India will also play a crucial role in shaping the race for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. Australia is aiming to defend their title, and Hazlewood, who missed last year’s final, is particularly motivated.
“It’s always in the background, we have the table up [to see] where we are sitting and what we need to tick off,” he said. “For me, it’s a big one because I didn’t get to play the last one in England so that’s a burning one for me.”
