I think that one of my major mentors has been Ravi Ashwin: Nathan Lyon

Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is poised to make history ahead of Australia’s next Test series against Pakistan. Lyon is only four wickets short of reaching the remarkable 500-wicket mark, and he may soon be counting himself among the cricketing greats Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Anil Kumble.

The seasoned cricket player considers his path and the factors that molded his extraordinary career as he prepares for this momentous occasion. Unexpectedly, Lyon credited inspiration to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. It’s interesting to note that Stuart Broad is the only player with more Test wickets since Lyon and Ashwin started playing in the same year. With an outstanding total of 489 wickets from 94 matches, Ashwin is very close to reaching the 500-wicket milestone.

“You look at Ashwin, a bowler of the highest caliber who I have followed attentively from the beginning of his career. We’ve faced off against each other several times in various settings all across the world. I have the utmost regard for Ashwin and his methodology. According to Cricket.com.au, Lyon stated, “I’ve definitely learned from him.”

I think Ashwin has been one of my most influential coaches. Nathan Lyon

In addition to acknowledging the unanticipated contribution that the great Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made to his cricket career, Nathan Lyon stated that he has always had the chance to pick up tips from opponents during his incredible career for Australia. He was also happy that he and Ashwin were very close to reaching the 500-wicket milestone and looked forward to seeing how far they could both go in their Test careers. In addition, he did not hold back when he expressed his desire to sit and enjoy the company of the renowned Indian spinner in the future while engaging in extensive talk about a variety of topics.

“You can learn from your opponents, and without realizing it, he’s probably been one of my biggest mentors in a way. We’ll have to wait and see where this goes, but it’s fantastic to see that we’re both approaching the 500 milestone. At the conclusion of our careers, hopefully, Lyon said, “We’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it.”

With a calf injury that has kept him out of action since the Ashes, Lyon is set to return when Australia plays Pakistan in Perth for the first of three Test matches.