Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Jasper Bruce

Australia's decade of 'unfinished business' with India

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon can't wait to take on India in a five-Test series this summer. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia has "10 years of unfinished business" to resolve when India tours this summer, says veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon still ponders what Australia could have done differently the last time India toured, when the hosts bowled the visitors out for 36 in the second innings of an eight-wicket win at Adelaide Oval, only to lose two of the remaining three Tests and cough up the 2020/21 series.

Australia's home drought extends further back than that sensational 2-1 series defeat, having also given up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the summer of 2018/19.

The pair of disappointments count for two of the side's three home-series losses since last beating India in Australia over the summer of 2014/15.

This summer's five-Test series is likely to feature Lyon's last home matches against India in the longest format, and the 36-year-old is eager for the chance at redemption.

"It's been 10 years of unfinished business. It's been a long time," Lyon said.

"I know I'm extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back, that's for sure."

Australia's XI will look slightly different from that which fell to India four summers ago, with the team preparing for its first home series since David Warner's international retirement.

Usman Khawaja and Mitch Marsh were also in the Test wilderness during that series, and ex-captain Tim Paine was still keeping wicket ahead of Alex Carey.

Regardless, Lyon said there was still plenty to learn for the current crop.

"I often reflect on a lot of series and where we potentially could have done better, even when we win series,'' he said.

"I feel that's incredibly important in your learning, to be able to sit back and reflect and understand what you did well and what you didn't do well.

"There's a few things that I feel like we can do (differently).

"I feel like we're a different team to a couple of years ago and on a journey to becoming a great Australian cricket team. 

"We're definitely not there, but we're along that journey."

As a comparatively quiet winter draws to a close, quick Josh Hazlewood envisages no load-management concerns for the big three quicks - himself, Mitch Starc and captain Pat Cummins - ahead of India's visit.

"There's a few factors there, but I'm always planning to play all five (Tests)," Hazlewood said.

"I think with a bowling captain as well, he can be a lot smarter in that regard in terms of maybe throwing the ball to Travis Head for an over here or there and Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh. We've got a lot of extra bowlers there as well." 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.