Johannesburg [South Africa], Nov 29 (ANI): Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who has been on fire with his controversial barbs since the start of Ashes, has this time challenged the England batsmen that if they attack him in the second Ashes Test, then the visitors would be definitely playing into his hands.

Lyon was magical with the ball in the first Ashes test in Brisbane and exploited the Gabba pitch to grab five in his 60 overs to contribute to the hosts' 10-wickets win over England.

"I think if they did do that [attack] it does definitely play into my hands. I like it when opposition guys try to attack me and try to whack me out of the attack if you're talking about batting against a spin bowler," Sport24 quoted Lyon as saying.

The off-spinner added that he is ready to tackle England, who will come up with new strategy against after the first Test, and said that he will embrace the challenge and will compete hard.

He said that when batsmen come hard at bowlers then chances of taking wickets increases.

"It's exciting times and I look forward to the challenge they bring," said Lyon, who holds the record for the most Test wickets taken by an Australian off-spin bowler.

The second day and night Ashes Test with a pink ball will start on Saturday at the Adelaide Oval. (ANI)


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