AUS v IND 2018-19: It's pretty special to get Virat Kohli's wicket, admits Nathan Lyon

Pant is a wonderful striker of the ball, says Lyon.

Lyon dismissed Kohli for the seventh time in the Test cricket  | Getty Images

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon admitted on Tuesday (December 18) that outwitting Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli is “pretty special” and he loves competing against the world-class batter.

The 31-year-old is also delighted after playing a key role in Australia’s massive win of 146-runs in the second Test to level the four-match Test Series Down Under against India at Perth Stadium.

Lyon, who is also known as the GOAT (greatest of all time) among Australian fans, finished the Perth Test on a high note, adjudging Man of the Match for his exceptional show with the ball here, finished with 8 wickets including a five-wicket haul for 106 runs against India.

His five-wicket haul came in India’s first innings and that was his seventh against India to level with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan as the most five-wicket hauls against India in Test cricket, while it was his 14th in the longest format of the game.

Lyon has now 16 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy so far and he can’t wait to sing a victory song after guiding Australia to their first win in Test cricket since the ball-tampering scandal.

At the post-match press conference, Lyon said, “It's amazing to play a role in a victory, haven't had one in a while. Thanks to everyone. Can't wait to sing the song. It's fair to say we've been in a drought, so good to break. Was special to wrap the tail up quickly. My role probably changed a bit, attacking in Adelaide to a defending on here. But luckily they ran down to the wicket to create a few footholes.”

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Kohli got dismissed by Lyon for the seventh time in the Test cricket while only James Anderson and Graeme Swann could manage to get his wicket more times with 8 dismissals, and Australia's most successful off-spinner said being able to take his wicket is pretty special. He also lauded Rishabh Pant. 

He further added, “Definitely those two wickets (Virat and Rahane) are special. Virat is the number one player in the world, to compete against him and to be able to take his wicket is pretty special. Pant is a wonderful striker of the ball, he's a special talent and it's always a great challenge to bowl to him.”

While admitting that he is not a good batter, the off-spinner said he is working on his batting and thanked his brother for helping him improve his batting over the years.

Lyon signed off by saying, “My brother (Brendan Lyon) has been helping me with the batting. I am not a very good batter, so I am trying to improve a little bit and play my role.”

(With India Today Inputs)

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 18 Dec, 2018

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