Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has raised the influence matches behind closed doors could have on Indian star batsman and captain Virat Kohli.

India are due to tour Australia at the end of the year for four Test matches, three ODIs and three T20 matches.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Lyon said fast bowler Mitchell Starc and he recently discussed the effects an empty stadium could have on Kohli, who is often seen engaging and hyping up Indian supporters across the world.

‘He’s probably good enough to adapt to any scenario. I was actually talking to Mitch Starc the other day and we actually said that if we are playing with no crowd, it’ll be quite amazing to see Virat trying to rev up the seats.

‘It’s going to be a little bit different. But Virat is a superstar. He’ll be able to adapt to any climate that we’re able to play in,’ said Lyon.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still causing a lot of uncertainty for the future state of cricket around the globe, the chances are high that matches could continue this year behind closed doors.

Australia and New Zealand played one ODI under such circumstances at the SCG a month ago before their three-match series was cancelled.

But, Lyon is relishing the opportunity to take on India no matter what the state of affairs with Australia hoping to make up for the series defeat they suffered on home soil to Kohli’s men back in 2018.

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‘I’m excited about the prospect of India coming out to Australia, it is up there with the biggest series alongside the Ashes,’ Lyon said.

‘They’re an absolute powerhouse of the cricket world. Playing in front of crowds or no crowds is out of our control. We’ve got to follow the advice of all the amazing medical people around the world.

‘I haven’t thought about no crowds or massive crowds – it’s just about the opportunity of playing against India again. They had the wood over us last time they came over here, but we’re a much stronger side at the moment.’