Nathan Lyon has presented England with an intriguing prediction, asserting that Australia has the potential to achieve a 5-0 victory in the upcoming Ashes series.
During a team training camp in Brisbane, the Australian off-spinner was repeatedly questioned about the possibility of inflicting a whitewash on the hosts. With a smile, Lyon confidently affirmed, “One hundred per cent. There you go. There’s your headline.”
Lyon elaborated on his perspective, stating, “I know it is a headline for you guys but in my opinion and my view, every game I play for Australia I am going out there to win it.
“I think our squad should be really proud of what we have done over the last 24 months. It has been an incredible journey.”
With the commencement of the five-Test series set for June 16 in Birmingham, the banter and exchanges between the two teams have been escalating.
Stuart Broad, the fast bowler from England, stated that the previous Ashes series in Australia, in which England lost 4-0, should be considered a “void series” due to the challenging COVID-19 restrictions that hindered the visiting team. The right-arm pacer further said he does not regard it as a legitimate Ashes contest.
“I am counting it as 4-0 … to Australia,” Lyon said when asked about Broad’s remarks.
“That’s his opinion. That’s the way he is trying to get under our feathers.”
Lyon’s prediction of the Ashes whitewash will definitely raise a lot of eyebrows in England, but the Aussie spinner is up for the challenge.
“I know I am going to get a lot of feedback from the English fans …positive, negative, whatever it may be. That’s totally OK,” he said.
“Hopefully (the games) are going to be sold out and there will be a lot of loud crowds out there. The best thing we can do as Australian cricketers is perform well and try and silence the crowds.”
The first Test of the 2023 Ashes will take place at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from June 16-20.
