India rivalry bordering Ashes as Aussies hungry for victory

by Admin
November 18, 2024

Nathan Lyon says the rivalry between Australia and India is beginning to rival the Ashes and admits the side is desperate to finally knock the subcontinent powerhouses off.

Australia have not beaten India in a Test series in nearly a decade, with most of the current squad having never touched the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

However, the Australian side has their best chance yet to snap the streak, with India looking vulnerable after a shock 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand.

“(The rivalry) is starting to rival the Ashes, isn’t it? So it’s pretty amazing,” Lyon said at the West Test launch at Optus Stadium on Monday.

“The enormity of the series and obviously being a five-Test series this summer, it gives that opportunity to hopefully do something pretty special.

“There’s only been a couple of guys fortunate enough to hold the Trophy in the squad, so we’re definitely hungry to go out there and make sure we bring it home, that’s for sure. We know what India brings to the table, and it’ll be a massive challenge.

“It’s not just Virat Kohli; we’ve got plans for each and every one of the guys and they’re a side full of superstars, which is exciting.”

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey will get his first taste of a home Border-Gavaskar series, having missed the epic contest four tears ago when an incredible fourth-innings knock from his counterpart Rishabh Pant handed India just their second series victory on Australian shores.

“I haven’t played against India in Australia, so I’m really excited for that opportunity, and their form over here has been really solid,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for this group to continue the success that we’ve had over the last three years now with the test Championship in there, some great series wins away and another good opportunity here in Australia to win back that silverware.

“Haven’t had the Trophy for a little while so it would be great to win that back. So without it having to be mentioned too much, it’s a hungry group to have success.

“A lot of the boys have not tasted the ultimate success against India, (and with) a Test debutant, we want to make it a great series for him, so we can’t wait.”

Star middle-order enforcer Travis Head echoed Carey’s sentiments.

“There’s hunger in every series, you play to win, and this one is no exception,” he said.

“It’s a hugely anticipated series with teams that are one and two (in the world) with a lot of history, but you can’t look too far down the line; you’ve got to worry about this week.

“In these series, if you look ahead, you get lost a bit.”

The Test group reunited in Perth on Monday for the first time since their tour of New Zealand in February, with Head saying it was nice to be back together.

Travis Head. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“There was a good buzz. Obviously, a few different blokes floated in at different times, and a few of us got a bite to eat,” he said.

“There was plenty of energy around this morning, and it’s nice to be back as a group. It just feels right.

“The One-Day team has changed a bit over the last little bit, and guys have been in and out, but this team’s been pretty settled for the last four or five years, so it’s felt good to all be in the same dressing room, and it’s just nice to have familiar faces and know how everyone goes about it.

“It’s a nice feeling to be back.”