Nathan Lyon says united front has Australians well placed for the rigours of a World Cup campaign

We’re training our backsides off, but it’s the closeness of this World Cup squad and the one team goal that has me thinking we’re in this tournament up to our eyeballs, writes Nathan Lyon.

Steve Smith unbuckled his guitar case and decided it was karaoke time.

On our team bus to Bristol last week, ‘Smudge’ started strumming and so I put my headphones in to drown him out.

Steve is far better equipped with a cricket bat than an instrument, but it’s great having him back.

Candidate for The Voice? Steve Smith, with David Warner (right), apparently fancies himself with the guitar.

Steve’s had a musical passion for years and played Mitch Marsh’s guitar when he was around.

But this was the first time I’ve seen him sing along as well. Seated further up the bus were our World Cup comedians, Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins.

I thought Pat calling Chris Gayle ‘Mr Worldwide’ (he is the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’) was hilarious.

Kane’s a little bit different, but this is a very special group.

Nathan Lyon says this World Cup squad is the closest the spinner has been involved with.

In fact, this is the tightest group I’ve ever been a part of. There are no friendship cliques and we all have the same goal.

Nobody is worried about personal performance. It’s all about team success.

We’re playing golf — where Ricky Ponting is pretty hard to beat, and Pat and I get bored after about 12 holes — and having dinners together and enjoying a few beers together.

The banter has been strong all tour. We’re training our backsides off.

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While this is my first World Cup, I’ve also been around Australian cricket long enough to know how to prepare, and everyone has taken preparation to a new level in England.

Adam Zampa and I had a great conversation at training on Wednesday, before the rain came, about bowling in white-ball cricket.

We spin the ball different ways, but it’s about the mindset of white-ball cricket.

We discussed how do we get guys out firstly, but also how do we stop the flow of runs. I’ve played 86 Tests yet am still learning about the game.

I’ve always dreamt about playing at a World Cup and, while I didn’t play against Afghanistan, tournament play is even better than I thought I imagined.

On your days off you’re watching every other international cricket team.

I’ve enjoyed watching the spinners and took note of Mohammad Nabi’s 4/30 on Wednesday. For the quicks it seems the bouncer is the delivery.

If I find myself facing some short ones I’ll duck, swing, close my eyes … and hope for the best.

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