Australian Off-spinner Nathan Lyon doesn’t believe AUS’ preparations for the WTC final will be affected by the talk around the Ashes, terming the upcoming contest against India as “grand final”. India and Australia will square off in the WTC final at The Oval from June 7.

Nathan Lyon was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press –

“Yes, we are playing the Ashes but we’ve got a big game that we’re up for. This (WTC final) is our grand final, and then our season basically starts again.”

Nathan added -“That’s probably where we’re quite happy with where we’re at with our planning. We are able to understand what we’ve got around the corner, and be OK. It’s exciting to be part of the final and the fanfare and stuff around it, it’s bloody special.”

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Nathan further said – “I know every Australian fan is looking forward to the Ashes, and so they should be. But they should also be excited about this match. You can wipe off anything that happened in India. Both teams are really well rounded in their squads. It is going to be a really good challenge.”

Nathan Lyon further added –

“India obviously have some class batters but they have some class fast bowlers as well. It’s going to be a good challenge. Both squads going at it and competing for one game, it’s going to be a really good challenge, it’s a fresh start. I’m looking forward to it.”