Lyon challenges 'explosive' Pietersen to 'bring it on' in Ashes

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has challenged explosive England batsman Kevin Pietersen to 'bring it on' in the winter Ashes.

Lyon won the battle against Pietersen twice in the fourth Ashes Test of the summer at Durham, but in the previous match at Old Trafford, the egotistical England batsman sauntered down the pitch and threatened to destroy Lyon on the way to 113.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, however, Lyon said that he likes bowling to Pietersen despite having felt the batsman's contempt in England just a few months ago, adding that it is a great challenge for him as he improves more faster if he keeps on bowling to the best batsmen in the world and keep competing against them.

Lyon further said that as a spin bowler, he is aware that he is going to be hit for six, although he added that the fact does not worry him as for him, the match is about winning the final battle.

Lyon also said that he would not be intimidated by the England batsmen or their reputations, adding that he is concentrating on what he and his teammates are doing as a group, instead of worrying about England's tactics.

Lyon has been dropped twice this year, but has a strong record at the Gabba, where he has taken 11 wickets at 24 in two Tests, enjoying the extra bounce, and he is expected to hold his place in the attack despite the annual consideration of a four-man pace attack in Brisbane, the report added.