Lyon opens up ahead of Australia's WTC clash with South Africa

The defending champions, Australia, are all set to clash with South Africa in the upcoming World Test Championship Final at Lord's on June 11. The fierce rivalry involves high stakes, and Australia will be looking to defend their crown by all means possible. They won their first WTC title by beating India back in 2023 by a colossal margin of 209 runs. The Aussies have played fearless cricket up until now and booked their WTC berth for a second time in a row by overcoming a resilient Indian side in a closely contested Border Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25) earlier this year. 

The 37-year-old off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been a key figure for Australia in the longest format, featuring himself as a frontline spinner. With a tally of 553 Test scalps, Lyon alone accounted for 66 wickets in the ongoing edition of the WTC, making him the third-highest wicket-taker from Australia. He is a part of Andrew McDonald’s squad that will take on South Africa in the forthcoming WTC clash. 

See also: WTC champions should get to host the final of the following edition: Pat Cummins

Lyon reflects on Australia's dream run prior to the WTC Final buildup

The veteran off-spinner acknowledges how big a moment it is for Australia to reach the top summit. Although he is aware that they are not there yet, he is full of hope and optimism and remains positive that his side will be able to conquer another milestone. 

“It is important that we look at this week as a celebration piece. We’ve done incredibly well over the last couple of years, at home and away, and that is something that as a team, we should be really proud of. In my eyes, we’re on a journey to becoming a great Australian team. We’re not there yet, I’m well aware of that, but that’s our goal too. This game is another step up that ladder.”

Australia came second in the WTC points table, achieving an impressive 67.54 per cent of the points. Besides, they were the only team not to lose a series in this time period. South Africa was the first ones to qualify for the WTC final. They got there on the back of a narrow two-wicket victory against Pakistan in Centurion. 

Lyon has an impressive record against South Africa in this format, featuring in 18 games and claiming 56 wickets, including one five-fer (5-136). He powered Australia to their maiden WTC final by picking the match-winning wicket of Mohammed Siraj at the Oval. Bavuma & Co. have their work cut out and will need to come up with a robust plan to neutralize the threat of Lyon in this do-or-die Final.