Nathan Lyon wants to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon is resolutely focused on securing victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The rivalry has been fiercely contested in recent years, with the Virat Kohli-led Indian team achieving significant victories over Australia. In the 2018-19 series, India stunned Australia by winning 2-1 in the four-match contest, and they repeated this triumph in the 2020-21 series. The latter series was particularly dramatic, as India, plagued by injuries, managed an unexpected and historic win. Despite being in a challenging position, India’s remarkable performance, including their famous victory at the Gabba, left Australia reeling and unable to digest the defeat.

In 2023, Australia sought revenge during their tour to India but faced a crushing 1-3 series loss. As India is scheduled to visit Australia later this year, Lyon views this as an opportunity to settle the score. He describes the situation as 'unfinished business' and emphasizes his intense desire to rectify the past results. Lyon’s determination to turn the tide and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is palpable. His focus is firmly set on bringing the prestigious trophy back to Australia, and he is driven by a deep hunger to change the outcome and restore Australia’s dominance in this fiercely contested series.

“It's been 10 years of unfinished business. It's been a long time. I know I'm extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back, that's for sure,” Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon told AAP.

Australia faces several challenges as they prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With David Warner's retirement, Steven Smith was promoted to a more prominent batting role. However, the veteran batsman has struggled to capitalize on his opportunities. Although he performed well in the second Test against the West Indies, he was unable to deliver a decisive performance when it mattered. The question remains whether Smith will continue to open the batting or if Australia will reconsider their strategy, especially given the formidable bowling attack of India.

Workload management will also be a critical factor, as this series will be the first time Australia hosts India for a five-Test series. This extended format may necessitate strategic rotations for the pacers to manage their fatigue and maintain peak performance throughout the series. Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, has expressed his intention to participate in all five matches. However, he also acknowledges that having reliable backup options will be crucial if the need arises. Australia’s depth in fast bowling provides them with a range of alternatives, which could be vital in addressing the demands of such a long and competitive series. As the team strategizes, finding the right balance and adapting their tactics will be essential for a successful campaign against India.

“There's a few factors there, but I'm always planning to play all five (Tests). I think with a bowling captain as well, he can be a lot smarter in that regard in terms of maybe throwing the ball to Travis Head for an over here or there and Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh. We've got a lot of extra bowlers there as well,” Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood said.