India vs Australia: Lyon expects Indian fightback at Melbourne

Bengaluru, December 23: Australia's premier spinner Nathan Lyon is expecting an Indian comeback in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne after the tourists were skittled for 36 on their way to losing the first match by eight wickets at Adelaide.

The 33-year-old off-spinner said India still had plenty of world class quality in their side despite skipper Virat Kohli heading home for the birth of his first child and would present a big challenge to Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Saturday (December 26).

"That was one of those days when nothing went right for them, and everything went right for us. We've all had them, it's part of the game of cricket," Lyon was quoted as saying in Australian media.

"We're expecting them to come out firing and not have any scars from the other day. Cricket's a new day, new game every time. I know we can't expect to go and bowl them out for 50 again so we've to make sure we're preparing well."

Lyon was largely a spectator as pacemen Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ripped through the Indian batting order in not much more than an hour at the Adelaide Oval.

Lyon said it was a privilege to be part of what he considered to be the best bowling attack in the world, even if it meant he was targeted by batsmen desperate for some relief from pace.

"India will try and attack me again," he added.

"I think it's one of their tactics to come after me, which is totally fine, I'm pretty used to it. It's up to me to know when to attack and when to defend as well. It's all fun and part of cricket, especially when you're a little spin bowler."

(With inputs from Agencies)