Lyon eyes AB battle in Brisbane

CRICKET: Nathan Lyon is relishing a showdown with South African superstar AB de Villiers, who he describes as “probably the best player” he has ever bowled to.

Lyon and De Villiers, having squared off in 12 Tests and three ODIs, will go head to head in tonight’s BBL blockbuster between the Heat and the Sixers at the Gabba.

The offspinner, who was overlooked for the recent oneday tour of India, is desperate to represent his country in all three formats.

He took down the BBL’s leading run-scorer Marcus Stoinis on Monday to help defeat title favourites the Melbourne Stars and now the 32-year-old is plotting the downfall of De Villiers and Brisbane Heat’s star-studded batting order.

“I’ve loved all my battles with AB. I love challenging myself against the best players in the world,” Lyon said. “He’s probably the best player in this format. AB is probably the best player I’ve ever played against.

“But you can’t just focus on him ... you’ve also got Chris Lynn, Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns and Skull (Marnus Labuschagne).”

Lyon, having bowled to Labuschagne in the nets with Australia throughout the summer, suggested the Sixers could exploit one potential weakness.

“He might be a little bit distracted if he keeps looking at Steve Smith. We’ll have to put Steve down at fine leg or something,” he quipped.

Regarding his hopes of a white-ball international recall, Lyon enjoyed a “really good conversation” with selector-tobe George Bailey during last week’s washed-out SCG clash. “I put him under the pump,” Lyon said.