Ravi Ashwin has probably been one of my biggest coaches: Nathan Lyon

In the lead-up to Australia's coming Test series against Pakistan, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon finds himself on the cusp of creating history. A mere four wickets away from the outstanding 500-wicket milestone, Lyon could soon join the ranks of cricket legends Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Anil Kumble.

As the seasoned cricketer gears up for this significant feat, he reflects on his journey and the influences that shaped his remarkable career. Surprisingly, Lyon cited Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as a source of inspiration. Interestingly enough, both Lyon and Ashwin commenced their Test careers in the same year, with only Stuart Broad boasting more wickets in the format since then. Ashwin is also on the verge of the 500-wicket milestone, with an impressive tally of 489 wickets from 94 matches.

“You look at Ashwin, he’s a world-class bowler and somebody I’ve watched closely from the start of his career. We’ve gone head-to-head many times in different conditions around the world. I’ve got nothing but respect for Ashwin and the way he’s gone about it. I’ve definitely learned from him," Lyon was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.

Ashwin has probably been one of my biggest coaches: Lyon

Nathan Lyon acknowledged the unexpected role the ace Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin played in his cricketing journey and said that there was always an opportunity to learn from an opponent player he has played against till now in his remarkable career for Australia. Moreover, he was delighted by the fact that both he and Ashwin have been nearing the 500-wicket landmark and will see how far both of them will go in their Test career. Besides he also did not shy away from saying that after he hangs his boots along with the ace Indian spinner in the future ahead, he would like to sit and enjoy his companionship with loads of conversation about various things ahead.

“There’s an opportunity to learn from the people you play against, and without knowing it he’s probably been one of my biggest coaches in a way. It’s pretty amazing to see we’re both creeping up to that 500 mark, and we’ll see where we end up. Hopefully, at the end of our career we’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it,” Lyon added.

Having been sidelined since the Ashes due to a calf injury, Lyon is poised to make a comeback as Australia face Pakistan in the first of three Tests in Perth.