Despite being overlooked for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon is hoping to play in the ICC T20 World Cup next year at home.
Having proved himself as match-winner in the longest format of the game, Lyon has now expressed his desire to feature in all three formats of the game for Australia, aiming to put himself in contention for the national T20I squad in order to realize his dream to play in T20 World Cup.
However, the off-spinner hasn't had much success in limited-overs cricket, but has a considerable amount of white-ball experience, having featured in 29 ODIs, 2 T20Is, 71 List A games and 40 in T20s and he is working on his game to put his hand up for selection in the shortest format of the game.
Lyon told cricket.com.au: “Definitely, I want to put my hand up for all games of cricket, especially for Australia. Whatever game I play cricket for, I just need to make sure I'm doing my job, and if I keep putting my hand up for selection, who knows where that may lead to?”
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He added, “I want to play every format for Australia, and every chance I get, I want to put my hand up for selection. I just need to make sure I'm bowling and fielding well and keep improving my batting. If I can do that and keep putting my hand up for selection, who knows where it might go? I'm still learning the game in all areas, and if given the opportunity to play in the T20 World Cup, it would be a dream.”
The 31-year-old spinner believes that he's still got a lot of cricket left in him and wants to continue growing and learn things as long as he remains an active player.
He further added, “I'm still trying to get better each and every day. The day I stop trying to get better is probably the day I need to give up. But I believe I'll never conquer the game of cricket. I'm still learning off the likes of Steve Smith and bowling to him in the nets. I'm pretty lucky to have that everywhere I go. I'm still trying to get better, so there's no time limit on me.”
On his approach to T20 cricket, the spinner said: “I really enjoy T20s, I look at myself as quite an attacking spinner anyway. It's more a mindset of understanding the game and where guys are trying to hit you, and who's bowling at the other end, rather than me trying to bowl my best 24 balls. There's a bit more in it about a mindset of bowling in a partnership and who I'm up against.”
Lyon signed off by saying, “It's one of those where you've got to make sure no matter what cricket you're playing, you're doing it well. My hand is definitely up for selection for the T20 World Cup and these upcoming internationals. I'm definitely not ruling out the 2023 World Cup in India, they're always great wickets to play on over there.”
(With cricket.com.au Inputs)
