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Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has expressed deep respect for his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin, acknowledging the significant impact Ashwin has had on his own bowling career. Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Lyon and Ashwin will meet for the eighth time in Test cricket, Lyon reflects on their long-standing rivalry and the lessons he's learned from the Indian maestro.

LYON’S HIGH REGARD FOR ASHWIN:

• -  A Smart Bowler: Lyon described Ashwin as "an incredibly smart bowler" who has constantly impressed him with his ability to adapt and evolve. "The best bowlers in the world can do that," Lyon said, praising Ashwin's versatility and tactical acumen.  
• -  Learning Through Rivalry: Lyon, who made his Test debut alongside Ashwin in the 2011-12 series, emphasized that their competitive encounters have been a valuable source of learning for him. "I’ve gone head-to-head with him for basically my whole career, so I’ve learned a lot from Ash," Lyon shared.  
• -  Ashwin's Skills and Impact: Lyon also acknowledged Ashwin's contributions to both his team and himself. "He used his skills to benefit himself and his team," Lyon noted, adding that Ashwin’s consistency and skill make him a world-class bowler.

LYON REFLECTS ON THEIR PAST ENCOUNTERS:

• -  Ashwin as a Teacher: Lyon revealed that he’s closely observed Ashwin’s bowling techniques, especially before Australia’s recent tours of India. "I’ve watched a lot of his footage," Lyon said, acknowledging Ashwin's impact on his own preparations and strategies.  
• -  Learning from Opponents: Lyon is a firm believer that the best coaches often come from rival teams, and he emphasized how much he continues to learn from facing top bowlers like Ashwin. "The players that you play against are your best coaches," Lyon explained.  
• -  A Constant Learner: Lyon described cricket as a game that has never been fully conquered by anyone, reflecting his mindset of continual learning. “There’s so much to learn in this great game,” he added.

ASHWIN’S TEST CAREER AND COMPARISON WITH LYON:

Ashwin's Impressive Record, As of now, Ashwin has taken over 500 Test wickets, a feat Lyon admires. Despite their different strengths, Lyon and Ashwin have impressive records, with Ashwin excelling outside Asia and Lyon performing better in Asia

•   - Ashwin's average outside Asia: 33.14
•   - Lyon’s average outside Asia: 30.09
•   - Lyon's average in Asia: 30.81  
•   - Ashwin's average in Asia: 21.76

LOOKING AHEAD TO FUTURE ENCOUNTERS:

• -  Longevity in Spin Bowling: 

Lyon, who is still going strong in his career, believes spin bowling only improves with age. He suggested there’s no reason why he or Ashwin couldn't continue playing at the highest level for years to come. "Spin bowling is a craft that the older you get, the better you get with age," he said.  

• -  Potential for Future Matches: 

While the current series will be their eighth encounter, Lyon hinted at the possibility of facing Ashwin in the future Test series. "Who knows? There’s a series in a couple of years’ time," Lyon added, keeping the door open for more competition in the future.

LYON’S INSIGHTS ON BOWLING AND STRATEGY:

Lyon shared his approach to bowling in conditions that aren’t traditionally favorable for spinners, such as in Australia. He credits his ability to "spin up the back of the ball" for producing bounce and said it’s a hard craft to master.  

With a playful tone, Lyon noted that he couldn't reveal all his secrets, especially since rival bowler Ravindra Jadeja might be watching. "I know Jadeja reads all of this stuff, so I can’t really share all my secrets," Lyon joked.

LYON REFLECTS ON AUSTRALIA’S RECENT SUCCESS:

Although Australia hasn't won a Test series against India in nearly a decade, Lyon remains confident following Australia’s victory in the 2023 World Test Championship final in England. He believes that the triumph should boost their confidence heading into the Border-Gavaskar series. 

Lyon noted that Australia is on the path to becoming a "great team" but acknowledged that there is still work to be done. "We have the opportunity to do something pretty special this summer," Lyon said, expressing his belief in the team's potential.

INDIA’S RESPONSE TO SETBACKS

Lyon is well aware of India’s quality despite their recent 0-3 home loss to New Zealand. He feels the Indian team, currently ranked second in the world, will come back stronger, stating, “India’s got the wood over us in the past few series, but I think they’re extremely dangerous.”  

A THRILLING SERIES AHEAD

Lyon predicted a gripping Test series between two top sides, emphasizing how important the series is, particularly since it’s been a decade since Australia last held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "It’s time to bring it home," Lyon concluded.

In summary, Nathan Lyon’s comments reflect a deep respect for Ravichandran Ashwin’s skill and influence. As the two continue their rivalry in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Lyon's reflections highlight the mutual respect and learning that take place between the world’s leading spinners.