BGT 2024-25: 'It’s challenging...,' says Nathan Lyon on Virat Kohli's form ahead of Perth Test
Australia's Nathan Lyon
Ace Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has said that India batter Virat Kohli, along with Steve Smith, is one of the best batters in the last decade. The statement comes as Kohli's form is causing concerns for India ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), which starts Friday (Nov. 22) in Perth, Australia.
“Overall, look at his record. You don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat. I want to get him out, there’s no point in hiding behind that, but it’s challenging. It’s been pretty amazing competing against him for so many times,” Lyon said while talking to cricket.com.au.
“Him and Smithy (Steve Smith) are probably the best two batters in our last era of this last decade,” the off-spinner added.
Also Read: 'To be able to control...,' Former head coach Rahul Dravid's advice for India to win in Australia
Lyon also put aside India's recent 0-3 loss in the home Test series against New Zealand and said that one can never write off India.
“They’re dangerous all the time. They’re a side full of superstars. They’ve got so much experience, but talented youth as well and you can never write off that,” said the veteran bowler.
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India have not lost a Test series against Australia since conceding the away BGT in 2014-15. In the last 10 years, India have won all four Test series played against Australia – two away and two at home.
India, however, have a lot to ponder ahead of the first Test as they will be without regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Rohit is away after the recent birth of his second child and will be available from the second Test, while Gill was injured during practice and is not expected to play in Perth. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.
After Perth, India play the day-night second Test in Adelaide from December 6-10. The third Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18 before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30. The last and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.