Nathan Lyon has predicted a whitewash Australia’s way in the upcoming Ashes series despite the tourists having not won a series in England in 22 years.
Anticipation is building with the first Test a month away, with both camps sparring verbally in the lead-up.
It’s not the first time Lyon has predicted such a result, having done the same prior to the most recent Ashes campaign, a series Australia won 4-0 in the 2021-22 summer.
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“There you go, there’s your headline,” Lyon said of his eyebrow-raising prediction.
“I’ve never gone into any game thinking that we’re never going to compete well and win the game. I know it’s a headline for you guys, but in my opinion and my view, every game I play for Australia, I’m going out there to win it. I’m confident heading over there.
“I think our squad should be really proud of the work that we’ve done over the last 24 months. I think it’s been an incredible journey and something that we should be really proud of.
“This is a new challenge and I’m looking forward to going over there … extremely confident.
“I know I’m going to get a lot of feedback from the English (fans) … positive, negative, whatever it may be. That’s totally OK.”
At 35 years of age, Lyon is likely on his last Ashes tour, but is still holding out hope of returning to the country.
Despite his advancing age, Lyon remains as important as ever in Australia’s Test side and has picked up 24 wickets in five Tests at an average of 25.50 so far in 2023.
”There’s no end in sight for me,” he said.
“I still feel like I can get better. I know coming up here and working with Jon Davison and Dan Vettori yesterday, I feel like I’m still learning about the art of off-break bowling.
“I still feel like I have a lot to offer. I’m trying to get a lot more consistent and get my stock ball better … with a few odd variations as well.”
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