Cricket: We knew form was coming - Lyon

Nathan Lyon. Photo / Getty Images

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon isn't surprised by Australia's stunning Ashes form turnaround, saying the signs were there even in defeat.

Just a few months ago Australia bombed 3-0 in the Ashes series in England to go seven successive tests without a victory.

But a win in the final test in Sydney starting Friday will put the current Australian team in a select group.

Only Ricky Ponting's 2006-07 team and Warwick Armstrong's 1920-21 champions have achieved a 5-0 clean sweep of the old enemy.

Lyon has mirrored the form reversal after being dropped twice during the year and finishing 2013 with five wickets in the Boxing Day Test, among them his 100th Test scalp.

The 26-year-old said that despite the scoreline in England, they felt they were on the right track.

"We knew it was coming to be honest," Lyon said.

"Yes England beat us over there 3-0 but it was a lot closer over there.

"We had opportunities but we fell over at the line and here in Australia we've won the bigger moments and won them pretty well.

"It's been a big reward for what we went through in England."

Lyon felt his spot in the Australian line-up was cemented even before his impressive Ashes haul.

"I've felt that for a while now; I'm confident I've got the skill set to get the job done.

"It's good to contribute but I'm more worried about the team.

"I'm more than happy to go unnoticed."

While critics are calling for the head of England skipper Alastair Cook, Lyon felt he was the right man to lead his team back from cricket oblivion.

He said there was still plenty of motivation in both camps.

"There's no dead rubbers in Test match cricket.

"It is tough but it comes down to the character of your coach and of your team.

"Alastair Cook is a great captain, a great player and I'm pretty sure he's going to come out and lead the England side really well."

- AAP

-AAP