What is Nathan Lyon's record against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has stated the Aussies are extremely hungry to beat India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While terming India as an 'absolute superstar side', he asserted that he wants to get the coveted trophy back for Australia.
Australia have not held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15 when they beat India 2-0 in a four-match Test series at home. The Men in Yellow have lost the last two series' played at home. India beat them by 2-1 margins in 2018-19 and 2020-21. In the latter series, the visitors were bundled out for 36 in Adelaide but made a sensational comeback to register wins in Melbourne and Gabba.
"It's been ten years of unfinished business, it's been a long time, and I know we're extremely hungry to turn things around especially here at home. Don't get me wrong, India is an absolute superstar side and extremely challenging but I'm extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back," Lyon was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
In the latest edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will take on Australia in a five-match Test series Down Under from November 22 to January 7.
Nathan Lyon is the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Incidentally, Lyon is the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 26 Tests against India, the 36-year-old has claimed 116 wickets at an average of 32.40, with nine five-fers. His best innings figures of 8-50 was registered in Bengaluru in March 2017, a Test Australia lost by 75 runs.
He also starred with 8-64 in the second innings of the Indore Test in March 2023. Australia went on to win this contest by nine wickets as India crumbled against the off-spinner's guile. The spinner picked up 7-94 in the first innings of the Delhi Test in March 2013. On this occasion, India won the Test by six wickets.
One of Lyon's standout performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy came in Adelaide in December 2014. The off-spinner picked up 5-134 in the first innings and followed it up 7-152 in the second. Thanks to his bowling effort in the second innings, Australia beat India by 48 runs after setting them 364. Virat Kohli scored 141 and Murali Vijay 99, but Lyon had the last laugh as India were all out for 315.
Of his 116 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 60 have come at home in 15 Tests, with four five-fers. In India, he has claimed 56 scalps in 11 Tests at an impressive average of 27.35, with five five-fers.