Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon feels optimistic about the “big challenge” of taking on Pakistan’s “No. 1 superstar,” Babar Azam, when the Men in Green travel to Australia for a three-Test series starting on December 14.
Since 2016, Lyon has dismissed Babar five times, batting with an average of just 43. Babar was one of the best visiting strikers in Pakistan’s most recent Test series against Australia, scoring a century and a 97. In 19 innings, he has scored 799 runs at 44.39 against Australia in Tests.
“Babar, firstly, has been a pleasure to play against but he’s also been a massive challenge,” Lyon told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s one of the best batters in the world in my eyes, especially against spin. He’s a class player. But think he’s a class player against all types of bowling.”
“They’ve got some superstars in the side, and if I’m talking superstars he’s the No. 1 in the Pakistan side in my eyes. He played reasonably well out here last time so it’s going to be a big challenge for us for sure,” he added.
With Pakistan currently experiencing a 14-match losing streak in Australia, Babar’s Test performances have all resulted in defeat.
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