Ravichandran Ashwin has probably been one of my greatest coaches, says Nathan Lyon ahead of the Pakistan Test

Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test match, where David Warner will open the batting along with Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon in place of Todd Murphy.

New Delhi: Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has praised India’s all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the first Test match against Pakistan, which will start on December 13 and will be played at the Optus Stadium.

Lyon, who is making a comeback to the Australian cricket team after a long injury break, felt that Ashwin is probably one of his greatest cricket coaches in a way.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, the 36-year-old revealed that he has watched Ashwin since the start of his career and has learned a lot from him over the years:

“Look at Ashwin, he is a world-class bowler and someone I have been watching closely since the beginning of his career. We have competed against each other many times in different circumstances around the world.

“I have nothing but respect for Ashwin and the way he has handled it. There’s an opportunity to learn from the people you’re playing against, and without knowing it, he’s probably been one of my greatest coaches in a way.”

Australia have announced their eleventh player for the first Test match, where David Warner will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

On the other hand, Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan cricket team as Babar Azam announced his retirement as captain after the team failed to perform in the World Cup.

The Pakistani cricket team is without a doctor in Australia due to visa and passport issues.

Sohail Saleem, who was named as the official team doctor for the Australia and New Zealand series, is yet to join the team. “The Pakistan Cricket Board is still trying to obtain a visa for Dr. Saleem and once he does, he will join the squad in Australia in time for the first Test in Perth,” said a reliable source in the PCB.

Here is Australia’s playing XI against Pakistan: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood