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I consider myself as an attacking option: Lyon
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon said that he would be looking to attack the Indian batsmen on spin-friendly tracks rather than containing them when the four-Test series commences in Chennai on Friday.
"I think myself as an attacking option in this Australian side. And also with (Xavier) Doherty around, we have the capability to put the ball consistently in right place. We hope we will able to do that," said Lyon on Tuesday.
He also said that he had been working hard on variations, after having watched the English spinners during the India-England Test series late last year.
"I watched (Graeme) Swann and (Monty) Panesar bowl in India, while was back in Australia. I have no doubt that variations are important and worked on that before coming here. I have got different strategies as well and I hope I can use that," said Lyon.
Stating that Swann is his favourite off-spinner among the current crop, Lyon said, "At the moment I look at Swann and what he is doing."
'Our pacemen will do a lot of damage here'
On whether there would a lot of pressure on him as a first-choice spinner, the 25-year-old said he is confident of doing his job well.
"Certainly, when you play at international level there is pressure on you to perform. The big thing about our bowling squad is that we have got quality quicks in there. Our pacemen will do a lot of damage here with variable bounce and lot of reverse swing. As for me, as a spinner I have a certain role to play. Hopefully, I will be able to that job for Australia.
"I am very confident. I have good preparation so far having already spent 12 training days in India. I have not had a day off so far. I have learnt about Indian conditions so far, and about my bowling in this condition. I am very confident going into this game," he insisted.
Lyon, however, refused that he had worked on anything particularly for the upcoming tour.
"No, it is just about keep working and bowling a lot more and improving myself. Obviously for a spinner, it is great place to tour and I am looking forward to the opportunity. To bowl in conditions as these against best batsmen and I am very excited with the prospect. Can't wait," he said.
He also revealed that he does not have a doosra in his armoury.
"I can't bowl that one as I have tried it before and it has not worked for me."
'I am only worried about my game plan'
On whether he had got any tip from legendary spinner Shane Warne, Lyon said: "I didn't meet him this time. He is a great bowler. I spoke to him before the India series last time, and his advice was unbelievable. On what he said, I can't let all the secrets out."
India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had recently said that the hosts can beat Australia 4-0, but Lyon said he was not reading too much into it.
"I didn't even know that there were mind games going. I haven't read about anything. I am only worried about my game plan and my performances in and around training. We had great series against India back home. Obviously the conditions were different, but we certainly have now confidence especially as we won 4-0. So we are taking positives from that series."
Lyon said though the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, both of whom retired from international cricket last year, would be missed, it will be a fantastic chance for some of the youngsters to prove their worth.
"Dravid and Laxman are two of the greatest. They are a very talented batsman. So I certainly think they will miss them but they have upcoming cricketers like (Virat) Kohli, who is a fantastic cricketer. And it is a fantastic opportunity for them," he stressed.