Pakistan have played me the best: Lyon

Ahead of the two-match Test series against Pakistan, Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has picked the Men in Green as the toughest opponent in his Test career.

Lyon has taken 26 Test wickets against Pakistan at an average of 50.34, which is his highest Test bowling average against any international team.

While speaking to Australian Associated Press (AAP), Lyon said that is looking forward to the opportunity to improve his record against the visitors.

“Pakistan have probably been the one country who have played me the best,” said Lyon. “I have had great battles with Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq and those guys. They provide a decent challenge for spinners. But it’s a challenge I am not going to shy away from. It’s an exciting challenge.”

ALSO READ: Rizwan cleared of serious injury scare

The off-spinner also said that the conditions in Australia are likely to aid his bowling during the upcoming Test series.

“I’ll have my own plans and the way I go about it and make sure I’m preparing the best way I can. I’m not going to really look into what they’re doing,” he said. “The wickets here in Australia usually give a bit more bounce and pace than the ones we have played on over there (in the UAE), which tend to be slow and low.”

“Obviously the conditions are in our favour but they’ve got some world-class players and we’ve still got to make sure we’re playing our best cricket,” he added.

Lyon believes the key to rattle the visitors will be to keep them under pressure for extended period of time.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re playing together and as a bowling unit, creating chances and challenging their defences for a long period of time,” he concluded.