Lyon dismisses choking tag

Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon dismissed suggestions Australia have been "choking" under pressure in the past few months ahead of Friday's must-win ODI in Ranchi.

Australia have been on the wrong end of close finishes in the 50-over format against India at home and abroad this summer, which led to a local reporter suggesting to Lyon on Thursday that the tourists had been choking over the past several months. 

Lyon was having none of it. 

"I’m not sure if you'd saying 'choking'," Lyon said yesterday. 

"We’re playing against one of the best sides in the world and 'choke' is a pretty strong word. 

"We’re a young cricket side and we're trying to get better, we’re learning about the game on the training field.

"I think it comes down to having these experiences which is going to be absolutely brilliant leading into a high-pressure environment like the World Cup. 

"I don’t think 'choke' is the right word."

Australia lost twice in the final over against India on home soil in January's Gillette ODI Series while on Tuesday in Nagpur the visitors were bowled out with three balls to spare to lose by just eight runs.

Both captain Aaron Finch and coach Justin Langer have been buoyed by the improvement Australia has shown across all formats, particularly the ODI side that was thrashed 5-0 in England last June. 

Lyon says the margin of defeat has been closer than what people may think and is upbeat about the vibe in the visitors' camp despite results not going their way in recent times. 

"I've just come from a team meeting and if you break down the game into the little numbers that we look at it's quite close," Lyon said. 

"I think a lot of people will be surprised how close it is. 

"We’re learning and trying to get better and we are getting better. 

"I know everyone in that changeroom – batter, bowler, and fielder – have my support and everyone’s support in that changeroom. 

"There is a great feeling and belief in the Australian changeroom."

Furthermore, Lyon says being in those tight finishes, albeit on the losing side, can only help his side as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in less than three months. 

"You always want to be put in those challenging environments as a professional sportsman," he said.

"You want to challenge yourself against the best under extreme amounts of pressure and that's where you see people really stand up or don't really cope under pressure.  

"I think it's a great experience for the Australian cricket side and as I said we are a young side and if we can keep learning off these experiences, hopefully that will put is in good stead at the World Cup and games moving forward."

Qantas Tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: Australia won by seven wickets

First ODI: India won by six wickets

Second ODI: India won by eight runs

Third ODI: March 8, Ranchi

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi