Nathan Lyon Eyes Greatness

Australia's spin bowler Nathan Lyon has stated that winning a series sweep in Sri Lanka will bring the team closer to being considered an all-time great team, as they aim to build on their recent success and continue to improve.

Lyon acknowledged that Australia, the world's top-ranked Test team, is still short of becoming a great team, but completing the series sweep will be a step in the right direction. The team has won 10 out of their last 13 Tests and has already won the first Test in Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs. Lyon emphasized the importance of series wins in India and England, which they have not achieved in recent years.

The Australian team's spin attack, which includes Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy, has been a key factor in their recent success. Lyon has been nurturing a three-pronged spin attack with the young spinners, sharing his experience and knowledge, and they have quickly become a formidable unit. Murphy and Kuhnemann have already shown their skills in the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka, with Murphy notching 9 wickets and Kuhnemann adapting well to the changing nature of the pitch.

Lyon has unfinished business in India, where the Australian team aims to win its first series since 2004. The trio's abilities will be crucial in India in 2027, where they will face more aggressive batting. Murphy is the most classical understudy to Lyon and is expected to take over as the premier spinner once Lyon retires. Lyon has been a key factor in revitalizing finger-spin in Test cricket, and he now sees an opportunity to pass the torch to Murphy and Kuhnemann.

As Australia looks to continue their dominance in the Test format, Lyon's comments serve as a reminder that the team still has a long way to go to achieve greatness. With their eyes set on the World Test Championship final and upcoming series in India and England, the Australian team will need to be ruthless in their performances to achieve greatness.