'Playing in the T20 World Cup would be a dream' – Nathan Lyon

Lyon is currently sixth among spinners in Test cricket's all-time wicket charts, with 363 scalps from 91 games. A proven match-winner in the longest format, he hasn't had much success in limited-overs cricket, with just 29 wickets in as many ODIs and a single scalp in two T20Is so far. The numbers, though, don't deter him from aiming to be Australia's first-choice spinner in the shortest format.

"I want to play every format for Australia, and every chance I get, I want to put my hand up for selection," Lyon told *cricket.com.au. "*I just need to make sure I'm bowling and fielding well and keep improving my batting. If I can do that and keep putting my hand up for selection, who knows where it might go?

"I'm still learning the game in all areas, and if given the opportunity to play in the T20 World Cup, it would be a dream."

Lyon has had ample success as a T20 bowler at the domestic level, with 48 wickets from 38 games. His numbers for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League are even more impressive – 34 wickets from 23 games at a brilliant strike rate of 15.32 and an economy rate of 6.72.

"I really enjoy T20s, I look at myself as quite an attacking spinner anyway," he said of his approach to the game. "It's more a mindset of understanding the game and where guys are trying to hit you, and who's bowling at the other end, rather than me trying to bowl my best 24 balls. There's a bit more in it about a mindset of bowling in a partnership and who I'm up against."

With Australia beginning their home season with three T20Is each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the first of which will be played on 27 October in Adelaide, the 31-year-old looks forward to the challenge and harbours ambitions of featuring in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at home next year and in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 in India.

"It's one of those where you've got to make sure no matter what cricket you're playing, you're doing it well," Lyon said. "My hand is definitely up for selection for the T20 World Cup and these upcoming internationals.

"I'm definitely not ruling out the 2023 World Cup in India, they're always great wickets to play on over there."