Search

show me:

Aussies hunt Ashes-like bounce back at SCG

3 minute read

Australia will draw on memories of the most recent Ashes, when they bounced back from a shock loss, and other series as they hunt a win over India at the SCG.

Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon Picture: twitter

Australia will draw on their response to Headingley heartbreak as they seek to bounce back from a shock loss and regain the advantage in a tight four-Test series against India.

The hosts skittled India for a record-low total of 36 en route to a comprehensive series-opening victory in Adelaide.

India's stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane responded with a sterling century - the only hundred of the series so far - to lead India to a series-levelling win at the MCG.

Rahane's patient hand, and the ease at which his side completed an eight-wicket win, were a world away from Ben Stokes' dramatic smash and grab in Leeds.

But the current series now stands at 1-1, as was the case in the 2019 Ashes following Stokes' astonishing effort.

Nathan Lyon suggested Australia, who retained the urn with a composed victory in the ensuing Test of that series against England, can benefit from those and other memories as they prepare to resume hostilities with India in Sydney on Thursday.

"You can always draw from all different experiences. It doesn't have to be in England, it can be in South Africa or wherever," Lyon told reporters.

"You're always learning.

"We'll have a meeting just before the game and reflect ... we have to make sure we keep our feet on the ground, stay in the contest.

"The India-Australia series is getting up there alongside the Ashes, as a pinnacle for the Australian cricket side. It's massive ... there is something special building."

David Warner is set to be rushed back for the pivotal SCG Test, even though the opener has admitted it is highly unlikely he will be 100 per cent fit.

Warner hasn't played since suffering a groin injury on November 29.

"David is a x-factor. He is a world-class batter," Lyon said.

"I am 100 per cent expecting David to go out there in the next couple of Tests and do well."

Warner recently said coach Justin Langer gave the team a "speaking to" in the aftermath of the MCG defeat.

Australia's batsmen met in recent days, discussing their struggles that are best reflected by the fact that axed opener Joe Burns is the only member of the top six to pass 50 in this series.

Lyon and gun quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have also been busy, plotting the downfall of Rahane and returning veteran Rohit Sharma.

"Rahane played me extremely well in Melbourne," Lyon conceded.

"He doesn't seem to get flustered much. He doesn't buy into any sledging or conversation out there in the middle, he's pretty calm and collected.

"I've already come up with a couple of different plans for him and a few other guys ... we're very confident as a bowling group."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au