Have been watching Ashwin’s footage to learn on how to bowl in the subcontinent: Nathan Lyon

AUSTRALIA OFFIE Nathan Lyon has divulged that he has changed his approach to the subcontinent pitches, ahead of the four-match Test series against India starting February 23 in Pune. 

Lyon termed India offie Ravichandran Ashwin as a world-class spinner and revealed that he has been studying him to improve his bowling. Speaking to PTI, the leading Aussie spinner reckoned that there is a lot to learn from Ashwin during the upcoming tour. 

“I have been watching a lot of footage of Ashwin, the way he goes about it, his different release points. He is a world-class spinner, the best at the moment in the world, there is a reason for it. I can learn a lot from him. Been studying him a lot, hopefully I can put that in play. I’m not going to tell you what I have been working on. I definitely changed my approach to the subcontinent conditions as compared to four years ago. We have to wait and see how it comes out, I guess.”

The New South Wales lad, who has picked 228 wickets in 63 Tests, said he is enjoying the additional responsibility of being the lead spinner. 

“I’m enjoying the responsibility, doesn’t add any more pressure. Our job is to bowl well together and in partnership and put pressure. I am looking at this as a chance to pass knowledge to some, especially the younger spinners who have not toured here before.”

When asked about his opinion on Harbhajan Singh’s prediction of 4-0 whitewash in favour of India, the 29-year-old stated that his side is worried about the processes rather than what everyone else thinks about his team. 

“Good luck to him. Everyone has his opinion. As an Australian team we are worried about our processes. We are not worried about what everyone believes and thinks about this team. We think we have got really strong squad here. We have got unbelievable talent in the room out there. We have got good leaders with David Warner as vice-captain and Steve Smith as captain. There are some very young talents. We are confident in our change room. We’ll come out and compete hard with India. We know it’s going to be hard work, we know it’s going to be a challenge. India are the No. 1 side for a reason. We’re playing in their backyard. We don’t expect our big fast bowlers to come out and get them five down (on the first day). It’s a big challenge for us. We are looking forward to it.”

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.