India vs Australia - "Have Been Hit For Most Number Of Sixes...": Nathan Lyon Quips On Why He's Fearless

In search of wickets, most spinners don't mind getting hit for an odd boundary or two but veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon is happier when batters are defending him for long periods of time. Arguably the best off-spinner to have played for Australia, Lyon outfoxed the Indian batters with his guile on way to a potentially match winning eight for 64 on Thursday in the third Test.

He made India skipper Rohit Sharma misjudged his length, deceived Shubman Gill with flight and drift before producing a peach that went straight on to castle KS Bharat, who played for the turn.

The 35-year-old, who is playing his 118th Test and has taken a staggering 479 wickets, spoke about his mindset while bowling.

"It doesn't matter what wicket I'm playing on. If I can get somebody to defend, I'm pretty happy. That's the nuts and bolts of my secret, to try and get guys defending me for long periods. That means I'm putting the balls in the right areas.

"Saying that, I don't mind if guys try and hit me. I have been hit for the most no. of sixes in Test history so I'm not afraid to be hit for a six (smiles). It's a great challenge but I dont mind it either way but more challenging to get the guys defending," said Lyon who relies on over-spin to trouble the batters.

What was remarkable about his performance that he took all his wickets from round the wicket, which is seen as a negative tactic by some.

"I know a lot of people see it as a negative. I see it as total opposite. I think it's very attacking, you are bringing all modes of dismissal. Times have changed when you were able to bowl over the stumps and still get guys in line.

"Yes, that may be the case every now and then but when you bowl that line, the good batters around the world