Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon is excited by the prospect of trying to dominate a classy Pakistan batting line-up.
The first Test of three gets under way in Rawalpindi on Friday, with the tourists 13/8 to win the series as they aim to build on their emphatic ashes success at home to England.
However, Lyon is taking nothing for granted, with the hosts having a number of star batters in their side, headlined by the outstanding right-hander Babar Azam, who excels across all three formats of the international game.
Lyon praises Pakistan batters
Lyon told reporters: "I have always said from day one of my career that I want to compete against the best players in the world, and Babar is definitely one of those guys.
"I can't wait to challenge myself, but there are some unbelievable batters in this Pakistan line-up who I am going to have some decent challenges with."
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And Lyon, who has taken 415 wickets in 105 Test appearances to date at an average of 31.79, is ready to play whatever role he is asked to fulfil by captain Pat Cummins during the series.
Lyon prepared to adapt
He added: "My role is going to change across the Tests. There's going to be times where I'll be in a holding role and where there is opportunity for me to be more attacking, I will.
"All bowlers in our squad are well prepared to play whatever role it takes to perform well. It's going to be challenging, but we've got the squad to cover all areas."
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