Australian Premier spinner Nathan Lyon refused to believe they are the firm favorites to win the test series just because India captain Virat Kohli will be unavailable for three of the four matches.
Kohli will fly home after playing the first test in Adelaide, which will be a day and night event for the birth of her first child. In his absence, India is likely to be led by Vice Captain Ajinkya Rahane.
Lyon said it’s disappointing that Kohli is missing most of the test series, but was quick to point out the firepower in India’s batting department.
“It is disappointing for the series. You want to play against the best players in the world, ”Lyon told Fox Sports. “I think he is the best player in the world along with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. It’s disappointing, but they still have superstars. “
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Lyon, who has taken 390 wickets in 96 events and is one of the most experienced cricketers on the Australian team, said it would be a huge challenge for the hosts as India has players like Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in their ranks.
“Look at Pujara, Rahane, and they also have a couple of young men coming in. It is still going to be a huge challenge for us. Just because Virat isn’t here doesn’t mean we can hold the trophy. We still have a lot of work to do, a lot of homework to do, ”Lyon said.
During India’s last visit to Australia, where they beat Australia 2-1 and recorded their first victory in a test series in Australia in 71 years, it was Cheteshwar Pujara who emerged as Australia’s biggest hurdle. In four games, Pujara racked up 521 runs, including three centuries, and was the series’ leading scorer for runs. Kohli was next with 282 runs.
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