Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed that former Pakistan captain Younis Khan was the toughest batter he ever bowled against, highlighting the veteran’s exceptional ability to dominate spin bowling.
During a recent interview, Lyon was asked to name the most challenging batter he faced in his career. Instead of opting for more frequently mentioned modern stars, the Australian spinner pointed to Younis Khan, describing him as a difficult opponent who does not get enough recognition in such debates.
Lyon explained that Younis Khan’s approach to spin made life uncomfortable for bowlers. He noted that the Pakistani great used his feet confidently, regularly stepped out of the crease, and relied heavily on the sweep shot, making it hard to set fields or build sustained pressure.
Younis Khan is regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest Test batters. He remains the country’s leading run-scorer in the format and is the only Pakistani to score a triple century in Test cricket. Known for his discipline, resilience, and ability to perform in challenging conditions, Younis played a key role in many of Pakistan’s historic victories.
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s most successful off-spinner in Test history, has enjoyed a long and decorated international career. Renowned for his consistency and wicket-taking ability across all conditions, Lyon’s praise underlines the high regard in which Younis Khan is held by some of the game’s finest bowlers.
