Lyon content with pre-India BBL cameo

Jan 23, 2017 - 3:35 AM Nathan Lyon is unconcerned that his preparation for Australia's Test cricket tour of India currently consists of four overs per BBL match and some video review work prior to departure.

Sydney Sixers' semi-final against Brisbane on Wednesday could be the off-spinner's last hit-out under match conditions before Australia's four-Test tour of the subcontinent.

Fellow Test spinner Steve O'Keefe has been pulled from BBL duties to practice on pitches made to resemble Asia's at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane

In contrast, Lyon will play in fast, bouncy conditions at the Gabba.

Lyon said he has no qualms with being unable to make use of CA's facilities before departing for a pre-Tour camp in Dubai.

But he admitted the Indian tour was on his mind despite being a key figure in the Sixers' Twenty20 finals campaign.

"I've been thinking about it a fair bit, to be honest," Lyon told reporters on Monday.

"I've got a lot of work to do in the lead-up to India. But we go to Dubai next week and we've got a big prep over there."

If his Sixers beat the Heat, he'll travel either to Perth's WACA to meet the Scorchers or the MCG to play the Melbourne Stars in the final.

Lyon said he was studying video footage of off-spin counterpart Ravi Ashwin, who dominated with 28 wickets in India's recent Test victory over touring England.

After returning to form in Australia's 3-0 Test series victory over Pakistan, the 63-Test veteran was confident jumping between long and short formats would not be a disadvantage with a gruelling series in India looming.

"I just came off Test match cricket and slotted straight into BBL," he said.

"I don't change much with my bowling. I'm going to have to look a few different options when I get over to India.

"But I'm not too worried about bowling more than four overs."

Source: AAP