Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, now 37, has made it clear that retirement is not on his mind just yet. With 556 wickets in 138 Tests, Lyon stands as Australia’s most successful off-spinner and second only to Shane Warne in the pantheon of Aussie spin greats. His comments come during Australia’s current tour of the West Indies, where the side recently registered a 159-run win in the first Test against the West Indies, a match in which Lyon featured prominently.
Nathan Lyon reveals the key milestones he hopes to cross before retiring
Despite already playing a key role in Australia’s maiden World Test Championship victory over India in 2023, Lyon has his sights set on one final frontier, winning a Test series in India, a feat he has never achieved during his stellar career.
“I’ve always said I want to win away in India. I want to win away in England. We’ve got that opportunity in a couple of years’ time,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Although Australia haven’t won a Test series in India since the iconic 2004-05 triumph under Adam Gilchrist, Lyon believes that goal remains within reach, and it’s the major milestone he wants before considering calling time on his illustrious journey. Lyon has played 32 Tests against India, amassing 130 wickets, the most he’s taken against any team. Yet, he has never been part of an Australian side that clinched a series win on Indian soil. It’s a glaring omission in an otherwise glittering resume that includes wins in England, South Africa, and Pakistan. His passion for the subcontinent challenge remains undiminished.
“I want to make sure that I’m doing everything right here in the West Indies first, but yes, winning in India is at the top of my list before 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 at the closing chapters of his career,, without making it official, Lyon has stepped down from his role as Australia’s ‘songmaster’, the player who leads the victory anthem “Underneath the Southern Cross” after each Test win. This role, steeped in tradition and camaraderie, was handed to Lyon by Michael Hussey, who himself inherited it from the great Rod Marsh.
Lyon has now passed the torch to wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, whom he praised for embodying the spirit required to uphold the ritual. Lyon described the moment as part of building the team environment and helping the next generation of leaders step up, even while he continues to play a key role on the field. Lyon admitted that he wanted to take a moment to step back and absorb what’s left of his playing days from a different vantage point, not as the man leading post-match celebrations, but as a proud teammate enjoying the final stretch of an unforgettable journey.
“I’ve been very honoured to lead the song for 12 years. It’s been one of the biggest highlights of my career. It doesn’t mean I’m retiring anytime soon… I just felt like Alex is the perfect candidate. I ran my race with it. I’ve loved having the privilege, but now I can sit back, hopefully enjoy a few wins, and take it all in,” Lyon concluded.