Attack will be offie Lyon's mantra

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon on Tuesday said that he would be looking to attack the Indian batsmen on spin-friendly tracks here rather than containing them when the four-Test series commences here later this week. 

“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 places. We hope we will able to do that,” said Lyon at an open media session here.

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 I was back in Australia. I have no doubt that variations is 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.”

On whether there would a lot of pressure on him as a first-choice spinner, 25-year-old bowler said he was 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,’’ Lyon said.

“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 added.