Nathan Lyon expressed his expectations for the Australian top-order at BGT: “I don’t want 101 or 107, I want 180 and 200”

Australia is prepared to welcome India in 2024–25 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Sunday, November 22, the first Test of the series will begin at Perth Stadium. Australia, which is hosting India, is hoping to influence the series’ conclusion.

The fact that Australia hasn’t won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014–15 is noteworthy. Ahead of the series, seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon expressed his expectations for Australia’s hitters. Identifying players like Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, Lyon expressed his opinion that hitters should aim for scores between 180 and 200, not only 101 and 107.

“Big runs are what we need. We require all of the top order players, including Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, who has the talent to score a hundred. Lyon stated to Australian women’s team captain Alysa Healy on the “Willow Talk” podcast, “I want 180 and 200, not 101 or 107.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be more productive and can help my team win the Test match if I have a day off,” he continued.

It will be quite large: Nathan Lyon

Lyon also discussed the possibility of playing Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli again. He brought up the fact that Pant was selected for India’s next Test match against Bangladesh and that he seems keen to rekindle his rivalry with both batsmen.

“That’s an incredible story—with Virat out here, Rishabh Pant was selected for the Test match against Bangladesh. It will be quite large, Lyon predicted.

He also touched on the debate about whether Test cricket is becoming less and less of a draw. He said that the Border-Gavaskar series is becoming bigger every year and rejected the idea that Test cricket is disappearing.

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“I am very excited to participate in the five-game series. I disagree with those who claim that Test cricket is dying since this series is only getting bigger and bigger. The locals will already be saying, “India this summer eh,” when you approach them on the street and strike up a conversation. People are thinking about this series at the back of their minds, Lyon said.