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Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon believes the 'Border-Gavaskar' series between India-Australia has become as important as Ashes.

Australia will tour India later this year for a Test series for the first time on Indian soil since 2017.

"It's massive. It's getting very similar to an Ashes series as the pinnacle series for an Australian cricketer," Lyon told Code Sports, as quoted by the ICC.

"This series with the Test Championship on the line as well it's going to be even more important and probably a bigger challenge. It's about doing the basics, not getting too far ahead of ourselves and enjoying the challenge - I think that's going to be the biggest one," he added.

Australia are set to tour Sri Lanka next in their 'mission subcontinent' where they will play two Tests, three T20Is and five ODIs.

Australia will then travel to India later in the year to play four Tests and three T20Is.