Reflecting on his decision to skip the last Test of Australia’s recent Caribbean tour, experienced spinner Nathan Lyon said it was a tough moment, but one he eventually came to terms with.
For the first time since 2013, Lyon was left out of a Test match for a non-injury-related cause when he was dropped out of the playing XI for the third pink-ball Test at Sabina Park. According to reports, selectors chose a pace-heavy attack with four fast bowlers based on the anticipated circumstances.
Speaking at a business function with a sponsor associated with his Big Bash League team, the Melbourne Renegades, Lyon bemoaned the decision, especially since it prevented him from being a part of teammate Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test, a momentous occasion in his long-time colleague’s career.
“Hiding behind it is pointless. Although I was unhappy by the choice, I completely understood it. I’m disappointed on several levels. First, I still firmly feel that I can contribute under any circumstances. The other, to be honest, was to avoid going out on the pitch with Starcy. It would have been incredible to be able to walk out there with Starcy in his 100th Test match; we’ve played almost 90 together. According to ESPNcricinfo, Lyon stated, “But I was still there, running the drinks, and still part of it.”
“I just believe that I can contribute in every situation, and I want to play every game for Australia. Every cricket player should believe that. Ultimately, though, we can sit here and applaud them because they made the correct decision. Additionally, Scott Boland is most likely the player you want to see perform if you’re going to miss a game. And it was rather remarkable for him to go out there and bowl the way he typically does, to take a hat-trick. “And it was pretty amazing to watch the guys bowl them out for 27,” he continued.
Nathan Lyon minimal participation in recent pink-ball Test matches—he bowled just one over in the day-night Test against India in Adelaide last year and not a single over in the 2022 Ashes Test in Hobart—has stoked the discussion.
Despite these developments, Lyon is reportedly certain of his spot for the whole of the Ashes series, particularly considering his impressive record at the Adelaide Oval, the Optus Stadium in Perth, and the Gabba in Brisbane.
“I’m not considering my position on the team at all. I am aware of my responsibilities within the team, and the circumstances were the main cause of my absence from that Test match. However, my entire attention is on ensuring that players are well-prepared for the first three Shield matches and the Perth Test match. In Perth, I adore going bowling. “If I’m being honest with you, I love bowling all over Australia, so no, I have no doubts about that,” Nathan Lyon stated.
For Konstas, the Caribbean trip has been a learning experience: Lyon
After a difficult Caribbean tour for Sam Konstas, there is still some doubt over Usman Khawaja’s top-order companion for the Perth Test. Throughout the series, the young batter struggled to establish himself, raising concerns about whether he was ready for a long-term job. Lyon, who has subtly supported Konstas, advised against placing undue pressure on the young player.
“I believe Sam has had a significant learning curve. We shouldn’t be so harsh on him, in my opinion. He’s clearly young, in my opinion, and still learning the ropes. As Test cricket players, I believe we have all experienced those times in our careers. It’s about ensuring that we’re avoiding him and that he knows he has our undivided support, especially for our senior players,” Nathan Lyon stated.
“I’m not a selector, but I’d be shocked if he didn’t travel to India with the [Australia A] team. Although he clearly has Shield cricket as well, I believe he will have some cricket there. We also want to perform for our states and ensure that we are putting ourselves forward for national selection, just like everyone else. Being selected for Australia is not a given for anyone. Therefore, we must wrap our arms around him to ensure that he gets out there, supports his abilities, and chooses a batting strategy that he is comfortable with,” he continued.
I anticipate more from Labuschagne: Nathan Lyon
The middle-order batsman is probably going to regain his form before the home summer arrives, according to the off-spinner, who also voiced confidence that Marnus Labuschagne would react favourably after being left out of the Caribbean tour.
In terms of his individual preparations, Lyon is anticipated to play in at least three of the four Sheffield Shield games before the first Test match during a two-month preseason with New South Wales. It is anticipated, nonetheless, that Cricket Australia and the NSW selectors will closely monitor his workload to make sure he stays in top form for the upcoming season.
“Marn is cheerful, and rightfully so. His test results are quite telling. With the amount of training he was doing, he undoubtedly put a couple of instructors into the ground over there. However, that’s Marn. That’s how he gets ready. Additionally, he is still and will continue to be a class player. Therefore, I continue to have higher expectations for Marnus,” Nathan Lyon stated.
Nathan Lyon is eager to play against each other.
As he begins his third season with the Melbourne Renegades, Nathan Lyon is also hopeful about making his BBL debut at last. He might be available for up to four regular-season games, plus any finals if the Renegades qualify, as the Ashes series ends before the latter half of the BBL season.
One match in particular sticks out among the schedule: a matchup with the Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval, where Lyon started his professional and BBL careers. He revealed that he is excited about the possibility of bowling to Alex Carey and Travis Head, two of his closest friends and former teammates.
“We have already discussed that, but it was all in good humour. It goes without saying that I have a busy summer ahead of me. However, I’ll have to put all of my notes in the back of my mind if we get to play each other at the Big Bash,” he said.
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