The stage is set for the epic ICC World Test Championship Final, where Australia will face off against India at The Oval, England from 7th to 11th June. Amidst the mounting excitement, Nathan Lyon, the formidable Australian off-spinner, opens up about the significance of the upcoming match, stating that it will be his World Cup final. Lyon emphasizes the crucial role he needs to play in the summit clash to secure the coveted trophy for his team.
Nathan Lyon has been instrumental in Australia’s journey to the final of the Test Championship, consistently delivering match-winning performances both at home and away. As the go-to man for skipper Pat Cummins, Lyon has time and again provided his team with crucial breakthroughs when they needed them the most.
Despite the seam-friendly conditions in England, Lyon’s impact in the WTC Final is expected to be immense. In this edition of the Test Championship, Lyon has taken a staggering 83 wickets in 19 games at an average of 26.97, making him the leading wicket-taker in the cycle.
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Expressing his pride in the team’s performance throughout the Test Championship, Lyon considers the final as a reward for their relentless efforts. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, he shares, “This is my World Cup final. Being part of the 2019 [ODI] World Cup, where we fell short against England in the semi-final, it felt like the World Cup dream slipped away. I’m immensely proud of the entire squad, the players, and the coaches. The way we’ve played our brand of cricket and overcome challenges in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and at home.”
He further adds, “The World Test Championship final is a testament to our efforts over the last 24 months, but there’s still a lot to play for. We need to ensure that we carry the momentum forward and finish the job we set out to do.”
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Notably, Australia has remained undefeated in the World Test Championship, making them eager to claim the title. With favorable conditions working in their favor, they hold the upper hand in the final.
Nathan Lyon acknowledges the joy of contributing to the team’s victories in the Test Championship but emphasizes the need to shift his focus solely on the final. He asserts, “To fulfill my role in each country and contribute to a few wins has been an amazing experience and a massive learning curve for me and the entire squad. However, those performances mean nothing now. I need to ensure that I play my role in the final.”
Lyon’s ability to trouble the Indian batsmen in recent encounters makes his battle against them a crucial aspect of the game. If he can conquer them once again, Australia’s chances of emerging victorious will undoubtedly soar.
With the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final on the horizon, all eyes are on Nathan Lyon as he prepares to showcase his skill, determination, and game-changing abilities. The stage is set for a thrilling contest, and Lyon’s impactful performance holds the key to Australian triumph.