Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon isn’t planning to retire from Test cricket just yet. He really wants to win one last series in India before he ends his career.
Lyon, who is 37 years old, is Australia’s best off-spinner, having taken 556 wickets in 138 Test matches. He has claimed 130 wickets against India in 32 Tests, both at home and away. Still, he has never won a series in India. Actually, Australia hasn’t defeated India on their home turf since 2004-05.
Lyon told cricket.com.au, I’ve always said I want to win in India. I want to win in England.
He added, We have that chance coming up, but we also have to focus on each Test match and make sure we’re doing well here in the West Indies. Then, we have a big summer at home with the Ashes series. I’d definitely like another World Test Championship final as well.
Lyon is stepping down from his role as the Australian team’s song leader. He’s passing the role to wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who took over the singing during the team’s celebrations after their 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test.
The song, Underneath the Southern Cross, is sung after every win, with the song leader at the front. Rod Marsh started this custom, and former Australia batter Michael Hussey passed it on to Lyon.
In Test matches, Lyon led the singing after 67 wins out of 125 matches.
Lyon said, I’ve been fortunate to lead the song. Doing it for 12 years has been a high point of my career.
This doesn’t mean I’m retiring soon. It’s more about the team atmosphere. I want to give the job to someone I admire a lot, who I believe will do it well on and off the field. I think Alex is the right person, he said.
Lyon said he now wants to relax and enjoy the moment.
He stated, I’ve done my part, and it’s time for someone else to add their own touch. I’ve been honored to lead the team song, but now I can sit back and hopefully enjoy some wins and just relax.
Australia will play the West Indies in the second Test starting on Wednesday.