Nathan Lyon assures that Australia will compete hard against Bangladesh

Australia is due to take on Bangladesh in Bangladesh in a Test series starting 27th August. The hosts have improved a lot in the last 2-3 years, especially in One-Day Internationals. The Tigers made it to the semi-finals of the recently concluded Champions Trophy. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon said that Australia will compete hard against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series.

Nathan Lyon replies to Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that the hosts wanted to win the series by a clear margin. Replying to this Lyon said that they will have to wait and see. The off-spinner argued that Australia and Bangladesh haven’t played against each other for a long time, hence it would be unwise to predict anything.

“Both teams haven’t come up against each other so it is a big statement, to come out and say that, but everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. We are just worried about what we are doing, to be honest,” Lyon said.

“They can come out and say whatever they want. We are training and preparing well and we are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. Everyone has their own opinion and goals. We have our own goals but I am not going to sit here and talk with you guys about our goals,” he added.

The Aussies last toured Bangladesh long back in 2006, when visitors proved too strong for the hosts. Australia had then won the series by 2-0, but a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. Bangladeshis have improved as a team and Steve Smith & Co. will have to do well if they want to win the series.

Fast bowlers will have a role too

When Test matches are played in Asia, spinners are perceived to be the trump cards. But Lyon believes that the pacers will have their say in the series.

“We have got three very good fast bowlers in the squad with Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird who can get the ball moving in these conditions. We have seen them do it before in Sri Lanka and India. I don’t think it will be any different in Bangladesh,” Lyon concluded.