Nathan Lyon's 'Big Three' Targets Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon identifies Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant as key wickets for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series between India and Australia kicks off on November 22 in Perth, featuring exciting venues and formats, culminating in Sydney from January 3 to 7.

Australian spin veteran Nathan Lyon has pinpointed three Indian batters he believes will be the 'Big Three' wickets during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in November this year. The highly-anticipated series between India and Australia will commence on November 22, featuring the first Test in Perth.

In a conversation with Star Sports, Lyon identified Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, as the primary wickets to watch out for. He acknowledged India's 'amazing line-up,' further highlighting the challenges his team will face. 'Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones. But then you have still got Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and who else will come out--another five, I am not sure. But it is a pretty amazing line-up they have got, so it is going to be a massive challenge. As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defence,' he remarked.

Kohli's remarkable Test record in Australia boasts 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests, with six centuries and four fifties. Sharma has scored 408 runs in seven Tests, whereas Pant has impressed with 624 runs in seven matches on Australian soil. The series will feature Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, promising a thrilling cricketing spectacle. Lyon's own record against India includes 121 wickets in 27 Tests, making him a formidable opponent.

(With inputs from agencies.)