Nathan Lyon Reflects on Selection Challenges

As Australia prepares for the pink-ball Test, Lyon looked fully involved during Monday’s training session, signalling his readiness. Pat Cummins is expected to feature as well, while Steven Smith, absent due to illness, should resume training on Tuesday.

Lyon’s position in the squad has become more uncertain in recent months. He has been left out of Australia’s last two day-night Tests and has bowled just eight overs across the previous two red-ball games at home. While selectors maintain the decisions are based on conditions, Lyon has openly expressed frustration, believing he remains valuable in all formats.

Even so, he maintains he doesn’t feel pressure to prove anything.

"I've played 140 Test matches, I feel like I don't have a point to prove to anyone," Lyon said. "I'm very clear on my role within this Australian cricket team. I love playing with everyone in that change room, and love representing Australia. So if I get that opportunity again, I'll keep doing that. My dream is to continue to play cricket for Australia. And no one's got a given right to be selected. You've got to work your backside off to make sure that you put your hand up for selection and you earn that right."

A Return to His Favourite Venue

Adelaide Oval holds a special place in Lyon’s cricketing story. Not only has he spoken about it being his favourite ground, but his record there is exceptional 63 wickets at 25.36, including four five-wicket hauls. However, his last five-for at this venue was in 2019.

Since then, opportunities have been limited. In the 2022 pink-ball Test, he bowled 30 overs but only 10 in the fourth innings. In January 2024, he bowled just 15.3 overs as the Test wrapped up inside seven sessions. Last summer against India, he bowled only a single over.

This Ashes Test may provide a much-needed chance to make an impact, though he admits he isn’t entirely sure how England will approach him.

"I haven't really had the opportunity to get my teeth into this Test series yet, but that opportunity will hopefully come soon," Lyon said. "I'm expecting [England's batters] to take me on."

Chasing a Major Milestone

Lyon is also closing in on a historic personal achievement. After taking his 562nd wicket in Grenada, surpassing Glenn McGrath’s 563 wickets seemed inevitable, but three Tests and five months later, he still hasn’t reached it.

Now, returning to the ground where he once worked as a curator, Lyon hopes Adelaide might deliver a perfect moment.

"I dare say, potentially, may be like a little fairytale, I guess, when you look at it with my history here, with working here and dreaming of playing Test cricket," Lyon said. "The first viewing of my first-ever Test match here was on the roller back in 2010, funnily enough, against England. So for me to potentially overtake Glenn McGrath would be pretty incredible, but still a long way to go."