‘We’ve to worry about our preparation’, Lyon says ‘no advantage’ to Australia against injury-stricken India in Brisbane

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon feels that the hosts won’t have any advantage while playing against an injury-ravaged Indian side

A bruised and battered Team India is gearing up for the last Test against Australia which starts from January 15 in Brisbane. With more than five key players ruled out of injury, the visitors face the challenge of naming a balanced playing XI that could strongly confront the Aussies at Gabba – a venue where the hosts have an exemplary track record.

Australia's Nathan Lyon reacts after an appeal for LBW against India's Cheteshwar Pujara on the final day of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (AP)

However, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon feels that they won’t have any advantage while playing against an injury-ravaged Indian side. Highlighting the courage and resilience shown by Ajinkya Rahane & Co. so far in the series, Lyon said that India still have a talented bunch of players to pick their playing XI from.

“I wouldn't say that (Australia have the advantage). You look at the class throughout the Indian squad, yes they will be missing a couple of big players but they have got a talented squad they can pick from," Lyon said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

India will be forced to field a second-string bowling attack with all their premier pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah and spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ruled out with injuries.

“To be honest, we have to worry about our preparation. We can't look too far at what they are doing. As bowlers, we are very well suited for the Gabba and hopefully, we can put them into play nice and early when we have the ball in hand,” Lyon said.

Australia head to the venue on the back of a fine record, having won 33, drawn 13, tied one and lost eight out of the 55 matches played at Brisbane.

“We do have an amazing record here at Gabba, we do have the confidence and we know how to play a really positive brand of cricket here at Brisbane. But we can't rest on that. We know how talented India are and how hungry they are to win this series,” the Australian off-spinner said.

One of the most successful spinners in the modern era, with 396 Test wickets to his name, Lyon will be eyeing his 400th scalp while playing in his landmark 100th Test at the Gabba.

“I'm going to pinch myself when my name goes up alongside those guys (who have played 100 Tests). In my eyes those 12 players are absolute legends of Australian and world cricket, it's pretty amazing,” said Lyon.