Pretty keen to win Ashes 5-0, wish to be part of WTC final: Nathan Lyon

Australia has been very dominant so far in the Ashes and has already sealed a series victory with a 3-0 lead in the five-match Tests. England has found it very hard to get their batting on track and their bowlers have been relatively ineffective too. Joe Root’s captaincy tactics might come under a big question mark while Pat Cummins has had a dream debut as captain of the Australian Test team.

Nathan Lyon so far in the series has been playing the support role to perfection while picking up wickets at times. The off-spinner is immensely experienced now and he expressed his desire to whitewash Australia with two consecutive wins in the remainder of the series. Lyon has so far picked up 12 wickets in the 3 Tests in the Ashes 2022 and is second in the leading wicket-takers of the series.

Nathan Lyon mentioned the importance of every point in the World Test Championship as the Australian side missed out on the finals last time. He noted also capitalizing on the good form as it is a long road into the finals of the World Test championship. Lyon will be far more effective in the upcoming Sydney Test which is known to assist the spinners.

I’ve never considered any match a dead rubber: Nathan Lyon

“I’ve never considered any match a dead rubber when you’re wearing the baggy green. You’re going to go out and represent Australia in a Test match,  Firstly, because it’s the Test championship. But also we want to go five-nil up. Each Test victory earns points towards the WTC across a two-year cycle, with the top two teams playing in the final, scheduled for Lord’s in mid-2023,” Lyon said before training at the SCG on Sunday.

Nathan Lyon cherished memories of the previous Ashes whitewash in 2018 in which he played a big role. The World Test Championship final at Lords has been the ultimate goal for Lyon and a 5-0 win here will definitely boost the chances.

“Obviously, the Ashes for me is the pinnacle, but I’d love to be part of the Test championship final, whether that’s at Lord’s or wherever it may be in the world. A lot of work to do to get there. They went home last time here in 2017-18 with a zero next to them as well, [losing 4-0] but I’m pretty keen to win 5-0,” Lyon added

The Australian team has been hit by Covid-19 and Travis Head has already been ruled out of the Sydney Test. Usman Khawaja has been waiting on the wings and is likely to replace him in the playing XI.