Ravichandran Ashwin invites Nathan Lyon for 'home and away catch up' in heartfelt post after Aussie spinner calls him 'one of my biggest coaches'

Australia are currently engaged in a three-match home Test series with Pakistan and it could be a historic outing for their premier spinner Nathan Lyon. The 36-year-old is just four wickets away from joining the elite list of bowlers who have taken 500 wickets in Test cricket. He is expected to reach the milestone in the first match itself, which is currently (December 14) underway at the Perth Stadium after Australia opted to bat first.

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On the eve of the series opener, Lyon heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin, saying the veteran Indian spinner is one of his biggest coaches. The Aussie spin wizard said that he has learned a lot from Ashwin, having watched him closely since the beginning of his career. Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu cricketer is also close to reaching the 500-wicket mark.  

Ashwin, who has 489 wickets under his belt from 94 matches, may achieve this feat in the upcoming tour of South Africa. While sending his best wishes to the competitor, Lyon also expressed his desire to catch up with him over a beer later in life. With his remarks about India's Test specialist going viral on social media, the New South Wales cricketer came up with another heartwarming post for him on X. 

“I’m sure the competition to pick the best venue for this catch up will be strong, but we both have a few good years left in us yet @ashwinravi99,” Lyon wrote.  

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I’m sure the competition to pick the best venue for this catch up will be strong, but we both have a few good years left in us yet @ashwinravi99 💪 https://t.co/bCVyJglRQP

— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) December 13, 2023

Ashwin invites Lyon to Chennai

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Ashwin couldn't help but respond to Lyon's heartwarming gesture as he arrived with suggestions to meet him. The 37-year-old invited the Aussie star to his native Chennai and also called for an away meeting in Sydney.  “We can do a home and away for the catch up too. Sydney - your choice. Chennai - Soup with Muthu and chaat at OSB ( West Mambalam ). Go well tomorrow and see u soon,” wrote Ashwin.

We can do a home and away for the catch up too.🤗

Sydney - your choice
Chennai - Soup with Muthu and chaat at OSB ( West Mambalam ).

Go well tomorrow and see u soon https://t.co/cXIG4D0XOk

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 13, 2023

Lyon is set to become the 8th bowler to reach this landmark accomplishment. Shane Warne (708 wickets), Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), and Anil Kumble (619 wickets) are the only spinners to have claimed 500 or more Test wickets in history.