Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, now 37, has made it clear that retirement will not be on his thoughts simply but. With 556 wickets in 138 Exams, Lyon stands as Australia’s most profitable off-spinner and second solely to Shane Warne within the pantheon of Aussie spin greats. His feedback come throughout Australia’s present tour of the West Indies, the place the facet lately registered a 159-run win within the first Check towards the West Indies, a match wherein Lyon featured prominently.
Nathan Lyon reveals the important thing milestones he hopes to cross earlier than retiring
Regardless of already enjoying a key function in Australia’s maiden World Check Championship victory over India in 2023, Lyon has his sights set on one remaining frontier, successful a Check sequence in India, a feat he has by no means achieved throughout his stellar profession.
“I’ve at all times stated I need to win away in India. I need to win away in England. We’ve bought that chance in a few years’ time,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Though Australia haven’t gained a Check sequence in India for the reason that iconic 2004-05 triumph underneath Adam Gilchrist, Lyon believes that aim stays inside attain, and it’s the main milestone he desires earlier than contemplating calling time on his illustrious journey. Lyon has performed 32 Exams towards India, amassing 130 wickets, essentially the most he’s taken towards any staff. But, he has by no means been a part of an Australian facet that clinched a sequence win on Indian soil. It’s a evident omission in an in any other case glittering resume that features wins in England, South Africa, and Pakistan. His ardour for the subcontinent problem stays undiminished.
“I need to guarantee that I’m doing every part proper right here within the West Indies first, however sure, successful in India is on the high of my record earlier than retirement,” the champion off-spinner added.
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Australia’s songmaster baton handed to Alex Carey by Lyon
In a symbolic gesture that hinted on the closing chapters of his profession,, with out making it official, Lyon has stepped down from his function as Australia’s ‘songmaster’, the participant who leads the victory anthem “Beneath the Southern Cross” after every Check win. This function, steeped in custom and camaraderie, was handed to Lyon by Michael Hussey, who himself inherited it from the nice Rod Marsh.
Lyon has now handed the torch to wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, whom he praised for embodying the spirit required to uphold the ritual. Lyon described the second as a part of constructing the staff atmosphere and serving to the subsequent era of leaders step up, even whereas he continues to play a key function on the sphere. Lyon admitted that he wished to take a second to step again and take in what’s left of his enjoying days from a unique vantage level, not as the person main post-match celebrations, however as a proud teammate having fun with the ultimate stretch of an unforgettable journey.
“I’ve been very honoured to steer the music for 12 years. It’s been one of many greatest highlights of my profession. It doesn’t imply I’m retiring anytime quickly… I simply felt like Alex is the right candidate. I ran my race with it. I’ve beloved having the privilege, however now I can sit again, hopefully get pleasure from a number of wins, and take all of it in,” Lyon concluded.
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