![](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2023-12\/i8a86eo8_nathan-lyon-and-r-ashwin-bcci_625x300_13_December_23.jpg?im=FeatureCrop,algorithm=dnn,width=806,height=605\" "\\"On")
<\/div>\nNathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin – File Photos\u00a9 BCCI\/Sportzpics<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the greatest spinners Australia have produced, Nathan Lyon<\/a> is all set for the Test assignment against Pakistan. The series offers Lyon a big opportunity to reach the much-anticipated landmark of 500 wickets in the longest format of the game. Ahead of the first Test in Perth, Lyon paid a rich tribute to veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin<\/a>, explaining how the latter has unofficially worked as ‘coach’ for him throughout his career. Lyon, who has often competed with Ashwin on the field, also called the India star a ‘world-class bowler’.<\/p>\n Ashwin and Lyon are among the most decorated bowlers of their generation. While Lyon is just 4 scalps short of the 500-wicket mark, Ashwin sits at 489 Test wickets at present.<\/p>\n “You look at Ashwin, he’s a world-class bowler and somebody I’ve watched closely from the start of his career. We’ve gone head-to-head many times in different conditions around the world. I’ve got nothing but respect for Ashwin and the way he’s gone about it,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.<\/p>\n “I’ve definitely learned from him. There’s an opportunity to learn from the people you play against, and without knowing it he’s probably been one of my biggest coaches in a way.<\/p>\n While cricket often brings out the competitive spirit in players, Lyon is hoping to have a beer with Ashwin once the two call time on their respective careers and just talk about this beautiful journey.<\/p>\n “It’s pretty amazing to see we’re both creeping up to that 500 mark, and we’ll see where we end up.<\/p>\n “Hopefully at the end of our career we’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it,” he asserted.<\/p>\n While Lyon is all set to reach the 500-wicket landmark in the coming days, Ashwin could also touch the milestone when India take on South Africa in a Test series, beginning at the end of this month.<\/p>\n