But Nathan Lyon is determined to use steep learning curves to rise to one of his biggest tests, as the off-spinner sits on the cusp of joining two groups reserved for Australian cricket legends.

Lyon is poised to become the 13^th man to play 100 Tests for Australia when he pulls on the baggy green for a series decider against India at the Gabba from Friday.

He needs four more wickets to join Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath as the only men to take 400 Test scalps for Australia.

Warne and McGrath are among the 12 men to have played more than 100 Tests for Australia. Joining them in the upper echelon of the illustrious list are the likes of Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Mark Waugh.

Now Lyon, the unlikely hero who rose from a gig as a curator at Manuka Oval while playing for Western District and the ACT Comets to Australia's greatest off-spinner, is set to join them.

"I look at the 12 other guys who have played over 100 Test matches of cricket for Australia, and they're pure legends in my eyes, not just for Australia but all around the world," Lyon said.

"I'm going to pinch myself each and every day to see my name up with those fellas and be the 13th player to do so. It's pretty amazing.

"In the past I've tried not to look too far ahead, but I'm pretty excited about this one. The thought about being able to play 100 Test matches for Australia is very humbling.

"I'm hoping we go out there and play the positive brand of cricket we know we can play, and we can walk away with the series win."

Lyon has rarely been one to reflect on his place in Australian cricket history, with the 33-year-old Young product intent on focusing on the next game.

Yet now he is soaking up the week so few of Australia's 460 men's Test players have experienced, and with that comes a look back at the highs and lows.

"Personally, you look at the Adelaide Test match after the passing of Phil Hughes against India in 2014, that's up there with one of the biggest highs of my career," Lyon said of the day he spun an emotion-charged Australia to victory.

"Look at Edgbaston, that's another amazing high, then you go to Leeds and you come down to the other end of the ladder.

"A week later you're at Manchester as well. That's the thing about Test cricket, it's an amazing ride, a lot of ups and downs."

Just as there has been this summer, with Australia and India playing out a gripping series to date amid off-field controversies.

Think an ongoing investigation into alleged racial slurs from SCG crowd members levelled at Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Think India's struggle with a taxing life in the bubble imposed by coronavirus restrictions.

On the field viewers have been privy to some of Test cricket's finest performances. Australia's fast bowlers skittled India for a record low of 36 in Adelaide to take a series lead.

India bounced back and outclassed Australia in Melbourne, and held on for the grittiest of draws in a five-day epic in Sydney.

Now Lyon enters his milestone match searching for answers on a bouncy Gabba deck against an XI which, in his own words, has "come up with some really good plans to combat me".

Which is why he falls back on the words uttered to him by Australian greats Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey ahead of his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2011.

Hussey's message was to "play with a smile on your face", adamant it would help the former ACT Comet ease into life at the elite level.

Ponting's message was simple: "just back your skill". Hence Lyon's confidence in his own stock ball in lieu of a variation such as the doosra, adamant the wheel will turn if he keeps creating chances.

"To be honest with you, I'm still learning and I will never conquer the game of cricket. I will continue to learn after 100 Test matches and beyond," Lyon said.

"Some days you've got to just say 'well played' to the opposition. Who knows, I might bring out Jeff on day five if we happen to be bowling.

"I know when I finish my career I'll be able to sit there with a smile on my face and know I gave it my all. I'm far from being done in my eyes, I'm still as hungry as ever."

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