Resurgent Nathan Lyon confirms 2027 Ashes is on his mind

By Doug Mattushek
4th April 2024

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon revealed that the 2027 Ashes in England remains a target for him.

Lord™s was not kind to Lyon last time out. Last year, Australian fans watched in horror as Lyon limped off the hallowed turf on crutches. A four-centimetre tear in his right calf was the reason, but you can be sure the mental blow was worse.

Lyon has since recovered and signed up for a spot of County Cricket with Lancashire this season. The off-spinner is hoping to gather some vital experience in English conditions with the idea of running out with his Baggy Green the next time England hosts the Ashes.

"I looked at this opportunity to take the family over there and experience living in the UK for a little bit, but also to try and improve my skillset a little bit as well," the 36-year-old told the Willow Talk podcast.

"There is another Ashes Test series away from home still on the radar, and trying to win that is one of my goals, so I can go over there and learn and understand how the English guys go about it.

"Playing in their set-up is going to be really unique for me to see what a county game plan is. And I'm more than happy to pass on my knowledge (to) also help a couple of spinners over there if they want help."

Lyon breezed past the magic number of 500 Test wickets Down Under this summer and will no doubt be eager to press on. Australian great Glenn McGrath is the next bowler in his sights with 563 scalps.

Back at Lancashire, Lyon is eager to rub shoulders with England spinner Tom Hartley and the seemingly ageless Jimmy Anderson.

"I'm looking forward to getting over to Lancashire and meeting Tom, bowling with him and just having discussions... left-arm orthodox and right-arm offies are a pretty similar craft," he added.

"I'll be pretty cool. I'll bowl from Jimmy Anderson's end and he'll have to come from the changerooms. I'm looking forward to having a couple of games with Jimmy, which would be pretty unique - he's over 700 Test wickets, I'm over 500, it's pretty amazing."