Australia’s ace spinner Nathan Lyon has set his sights on reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India when the two teams face off in November. The 36-year-old, representing the reigning World Test Champions, expressed that the Australian squad is “hungry to turn things around,” especially on their home turf.
Despite Australia’s recent dominance in the cricketing world, the team has suffered back-to-back home series defeats against India.
The first of these losses occurred in early 2019 when Australia was missing key players Steve Smith and David Warner due to their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal. The second defeat came during the 2020-21 series, where India secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, including a remarkable comeback after being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide.
This victory was capped off with a historic win at the Gabba, a venue where Australia had been unbeaten for decades. Australia last held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2014-15 and has struggled to find success in India as well.
Reflecting on the upcoming series, Lyon said:
“It’s been 10 years of unfinished business. I know we’re extremely hungry to turn things around, especially here at home.”
He acknowledged India’s strength, calling them a “superstar side” but emphasized his determination to reclaim the trophy.
Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s experienced fast bowler, echoed Lyon’s sentiments. He pointed out that several players in the current squad have yet to experience a Test series win against India.
“It’s quite astounding to say that. That’s one we need to tick off, definitely, particularly at home—we should pretty much win every series here,” Hazlewood stated.
Australia’s recent home loss to an injury-depleted Indian side still lingers in their minds. During that series, India, despite missing several key players, managed to debut five players in the final Test and still outperformed the hosts.
Mohammed Siraj, who had only made his debut in the second Test of the series, emerged as the most experienced bowler for India in the final game.
Reflecting on that series, Hazlewood remarked,
“We bowled them out for 36 in Adelaide and thought we were back at home and confident. People say we played India B in that last Test, but sometimes they can be stronger than the best team. They’ve got unbelievable depth in all formats.”
However, Lyon is confident that Australia is better prepared this time.
“I feel like we are a different team to a couple of years ago. We are on a journey of becoming a great Australian cricket team. We’re definitely not there yet, but we have been playing some decent cricket,” he said.
When the series kicks off in Perth on November 22, one of the key challenges for Australia will be India’s emerging star, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener recently made headlines with a stellar performance against England, scoring 712 runs in nine innings.
Lyon acknowledged the challenge Jaiswal poses, saying:
“I haven’t come across him yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all of us bowlers.”
While defeating India at home remains a top priority, Hazlewood also has his eyes on securing Australia’s place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia, currently second in the WTC standings behind India, aims to reach their second consecutive final after missing out on Hazlewood’s participation in the last one due to injury.
“It’s always in the background. We have the table up to see where we are sitting and what we need to tick off,” Hazlewood 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.”
