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Nathan Lyon
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Nathan Lyon
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Nathan Michael Lyon (born 20 November 1987) is an Australian international cricketer. He made his Test debut in 2011 and plays domestic cricket for New South Wales. Lyon is an off-spin bowler and a lower-order right-handed batsman. Considered the most successful Australian off-spin bowler of all time, Lyon holds the record for the most Test wickets taken by an Australian off-spin bowler, passing Hugh Trumble's 141 wickets in 2015.[3] In January 2021, Lyon played in his 100th Test match during Australia's series against India.[4] As of 2025, Lyon is Australia's third highest Test wicket taker of all time and ranks seventh among all international players in Test cricket with more than 500 wickets.[5]

Key Information

Lyon has achieved a number of honours for his performances. He has been named in the ICC Test Team of the Year three times[b] and was the recipient of the Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2024. Lyon was a member of the Australian team that won the 2021–2023 World Test Championship.

Early career

[edit]

Lyon was born in Young, New South Wales, to Stephen and Bronwyn Lyon.[6][7] He moved from Young to Canberra as a teenager where he went on to play for ACT Cricket's under-17s and under-18s representative teams.[8] Lyon played for Western Districts and University of Canberra Cricket Club in ACT Grade cricket and debuted for the ACT Comets in 2008 in the Cricket Australia Cup against the South Australian Second XI where he claimed a wicket on day one.[9] During his time with Comets, Lyon was mentored by captain and later captain-coach, Mark Higgs, who helped him in his spin bowling, getting his bowling action right as well as the tactical side including what lines to bowl and fields to set. After Lyon left the Comets he continued to keep in contact with Higgs in regards to the game.[10]

In 2010, Lyon moved to Adelaide and worked as a member of the ground staff team at the Adelaide Oval.[11] He played for the Prospect Cricket Club in the South Australian Grade Cricket League while continuing playing for the Comets in the Futures League. After Lyon's performance in the 2010 Futures League Twenty20 in December for the Comets in Melbourne which South Australia's Twenty20 coach Darren Berry witnessed he was selected to play for the Southern Redbacks in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.[12]

Domestic career

[edit]
Lyon in 2009

In 2010–11 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash Lyon was the leading wicket-taker where the Redbacks went on to win the competition. Lyon went on to play for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and the Australian domestic limited-overs competition.[13][14] In the same year he was selected to represent Australia A in Zimbabwe where he took 11 wickets in the tri-series to be named man of the series.[15] Lyon signed to play in the inaugural season of the Big Bash League for the Adelaide Strikers.[14]

In May 2017 it was announced that Worcestershire had signed Lyon as a replacement for compatriot John Hastings, who was competing in the ICC Champions Trophy.[16] On 15 November 2017, during the final moments of the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Allan Border Field, Lyon was involved in a bizarre incident, burning a piece of toast in the dressing room and causing the smoke alarm to go off, which brought the fire services to the ground and stopped play for 30 minutes.[17]

In November 2019, Lyon signed for Hampshire as their overseas player for the 2020 season in Championship cricket in England.[18] However, this deal was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[19] In February 2021, during the 2020–21 Sheffield Shield season, Lyon took his 600th first-class wicket.[20]

In August 2023, the Melbourne Renegades announced they had signed Lyon on a three-year deal for the Big Bash League starting with the 2023/24 season.[21]

In November 2023 Lancashire County Cricket Club announced that they had signed Lyon as an overseas player for the 2024 domestic season.[22]

International career

[edit]
See also: List of international cricket five-wicket hauls by Nathan Lyon
Lyon bowling on day 4 of the third 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley while Jonny Bairstow looks on.

On 26 July 2011, Lyon was selected in the Australian Test squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in 2011.[23] He took two wickets for Australia against the Sri Lanka Board XI in the three-day warm-up match at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium.[24] Lyon made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Galle on 31 August 2011, he had his Baggy Green cap presented to him by Greg Chappell. Lyon took his first wicket off his first ball in Test cricket on 1 September 2011, his victim was Kumar Sangakkara. With this feat he became the third Australian (and seventeenth international player) to take his first wicket off his first ball in Test cricket, and the first Australian since Arthur Coningham, in 1894.[25] He finished with 5/34 in his first innings, becoming the 131st player to take five wickets on debut in a Test match.[26][27]

In November 2011, Lyon became just the seventh number 11 batsman to have the top score in his team's innings, when he scored 14 in Australia's second-innings total of 47 in the 1st Test against South Africa.[28] Lyon played his first Test in Australia at the Gabba starting on 1 December 2011 against New Zealand in the first Test match of the series. Lyon took 4/69 in the first innings and 3/19 in his second innings, culminating in match figures of 7/88, the best Test match bowling figures by an Australian off-spinner at the venue.[29] He played in three of the four Tests of the subsequent home series against India—being left out of the team for the third Test on the pace-friendly WACA Ground—taking seven wickets at an average of 41.57.[30] Former Australian off-spinner Ashley Mallett criticised Lyon's delivery method during the series, saying he had been bowling too wide on the crease.[31]

On 24 April 2013, Lyon was named as the only spinner in the upcoming 2013 Ashes series for the Australian squad. It held true until hours before the first match when he was dropped from out of the lineup in favour of shock debutant Ashton Agar, who then went on to score 98 on his Test debut, which was also a world record for a no. 11 batsman. However, Lyon was recalled to the team for the third Ashes Test, and in the fourth Ashes Test at Chester-le-Street, he took figures of 4/42 on the first day to help restrict England to 238 in their first innings. On 28 December 2013, during the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Lyon took his 100th Test wicket and also his first five wicket haul in Australia.[32] He became just the sixth Australian off-spinner to take 100 Test wickets.[33]

On 5 January 2014, Lyon became only the second cricketer ever to not be dismissed in any innings during a five-Test series. Lyon made 60 runs during his six innings, with a strike rate of 52.63.[34] On 13 December 2014, Lyon was named man of the match in the first Test of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy series against India at the Adelaide Oval after taking a personal best haul for the match of 5 for 134 in the first innings and 7 for 152 in the second. This was the first match the Australian team had played after the death of Phillip Hughes just two weeks earlier. After taking the final wicket of the match to secure the victory for Australia, Lyon knelt down and patted Hughes's Test number 408 that had been painted on the field for the match.

In 2015, Lyon was not named in Australia's final squad of 15 for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Xavier Doherty was picked in his place as a specialist spin bowler. In June 2015, Lyon took his 142nd Test wicket, passing Hugh Trumble to become the most prolific wicket-taker of all Australian off-spinners.[35]

Lyon made his Twenty20 International debut for Australia against India on 29 January 2016.[36] On 28 July 2016, Lyon became the first Australian off-spinner to take 200 Test wickets. He achieved this feat during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium by dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva.[37] During the 2016 Test series between Australia and South Africa, the phrase "Nice, Garry!" became affectionately associated with Lyon after wicketkeeper Matthew Wade repeatedly yelled it after every ball bowled by the spinner (a joking reference to the Melbourne FC footballer Garry Lyon).[38] This phrase was adopted by cricket fans throughout Australia, elevating Lyon to cult-hero status.[39] A Facebook campaign was started up for fans at the 2016 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan to yell "Nice, Garry!" in unison after Lyon's third ball bowled; however, their attempts were replaced by cheering, as he took the wicket of Sami Aslam with his third delivery.[40]

Lyon in 2019

On 4 March 2017, in the second Test between Australia and India in Bangalore as part of the 2017 Australian tour of India, Lyon took figures of 8/50 and finished with the best figures ever recorded in India by a visiting bowler.[41] On 27 August 2017, Lyon became the 8th Australian bowler and the second Australian spinner after Shane Warne to take 250 Test wickets. He achieved this feat during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium by dismissing Mehedi Hasan Miraz. In September 2017, in the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Chittagong as part of the 2017 Australian tour of Bangladesh, Lyon took match figures of 13/154 and finished with the best figures ever recorded in Asia by an Australian bowler. He also took the most wickets in a two-Test series by an Australian bowler (22).

Having missed out on the Champions Trophy squad, Lyon replaced John Hastings to play for Worcestershire.[42] In 2017, Lyon became an Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador for the Australian Government.[43] He would finish the year by taking more Test wickets than anyone else (63).

On 6 March 2018, Lyon was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against South Africa in Durban.[44] Lyon took his 300th Test wicket during the 3rd Test in Cape Town by dismissing Kagiso Rabada out stumped.[45] In April 2018, he was awarded a national contract by Cricket Australia for the 2018–19 season.[46][47] Lyon finished the India–Australia Test series with 21 wickets and as the highest wicket taker, along with Jasprit Bumrah.[48]

Lyon in 2019

Lyon awarded the Men's Test Player of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony by the CA in 2019.[49] In April 2019, he was named in Australia's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[50][51] In July 2019, he was named in Australia's squad for the 2019 Ashes series in England.[52][53] In the first Test of the 2019 Ashes, his figures of 3/112 in the first innings 6/49 in the second innings helped Australia to win a Test at Edgbaston for the first time in 19 years. Australia went on to retain The Ashes for the first time in 18 years. In November 2019, Lyon took seven wickets in two Tests against Pakistan, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide.[54] In the following series against New Zealand, Lyon was the leading wicket taker between both sides, finishing the series with 20 wickets as Australia won the series 3–0. This was capped off with match figures of 10/118 in the New Year's Test in Sydney, taking five wickets in each innings.[55]

On 16 July 2020, Lyon was named in a 26-man preliminary squad of players to begin training ahead of a possible tour to England following the COVID-19 pandemic.[56][57] On 14 August 2020, Cricket Australia confirmed that the fixtures would be taking place, with Lyon included in the touring party.[58][59] On 11 December 2021, during the first match of the 2021–22 Ashes series, Lyon took his 400th Test wicket by dismissing Dawid Malan.[60]

On 2 March 2023, Lyon become the highest wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the second day of the third test in Indore with a total of 112 wickets.[61] He finished the match with figures of 11/99, taking 3 wickets in the first innings and 8 in the second, earning him player of the match honours.[62] In the fourth test in Ahmedabad, Lyon broke the record of most wickets taken by an overseas bowler in India, surpassing Derek Underwood by taking his 56th wicket in the country.[63]

In the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final, Lyon recorded figures of 1/19 and 4/41 as Australia defeated India by 209 runs.[64]

In the first test of the 2023 Ashes series at Edgbaston, Lyon took figures of 4/149 and 4/80 in each innings.[65] In the fourth innings, Lyon came to crease with Australia 8/227, 54 runs short of the winning target of 281. Forming a 55 run partnership with Pat Cummins, Lyon helped Australia to an unlikely two wicket win, ending the match with 16 not out off of 28 deliveries.[65] In the second test of the series at Lord's, Lyon became the first specialist bowler in history to play 100 consecutive test matches, a streak that dated back to the 2013 Ashes series a decade prior.[66] He recorded his 496th test wicket in the first innings by dismissing Zak Crawley before succumbing to a significant calf strain on day 2, which prevented him from bowling in the remainder of the test.[67] Despite arriving to the ground on crutches and having difficulty walking, Lyon came to the crease to bat in Australia's second innings and put on a 15 run partnership with Mitchell Starc, scoring 4 runs himself.[68] He received a standing ovation from the crowd and praise for his bravery in batting despite the nature of his injury.[69] It was confirmed on the day following the test that Lyon would miss the remainder of the series as a result of the injury.[70] This meant his streak of 100 consecutive test matches going back to the 2013 Ashes was broken.[71]

Lyon returned to test cricket in December 2023 for the match between Pakistan and Australia in Perth. He took his 500th test wicket by dismissing Faheem Ashraf lbw after a review. Just two balls later Lyon got his 501st test wicket by bowling Aamer Jamal.[72] He finished the match with five wickets in all, which helped Australia to a comprehensive victory by 360 runs.[73]

Nathan Lyon bowling in the 4th Test Match of the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Nathan Lyon played in the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Personal life

[edit]

Lyon has two children with ex-partner Mel Waring.[74] He married Emma McCarthy in July 2022.[75]

Lyon's older brother, Brendan, is his personal batting coach.[76]

Lyon is a supporter of the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League.[77]

Awards

[edit]

ICC Test Team of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2022

Australian Men's Test Player of the Year: 2019, 2024

Sheffield Shield Player of the Year: 2020-21[78]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nathan Lyon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nathan Michael Lyon (born 20 November 1987) is an Australian international cricketer renowned for his right-arm off-spin bowling, who has represented the national team primarily in matches since his debut in 2011. A former groundsman at the , Lyon rose from domestic obscurity to become Australia's most prolific off-spinner, amassing 562 wickets across 139 matches as of November 2025, with a of 30.15 and 24 five-wicket hauls. His career highlights include reaching 500 wickets in December 2023, making him the third Australian to achieve this milestone after and , and the eighth bowler overall in Test history. Lyon's international journey began with a standout Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle on 31 August 2011, where he claimed 5 for 34 in the first innings, becoming the first Australian spinner in 30 years to take five wickets on debut. He has since been a cornerstone of Australia's red-ball attack, particularly in home conditions and against in series, where he has captured 110 wickets in 30 Tests. Domestically, he plays for in the and has featured in limited-overs formats, debuting in ODIs in 2012 and T20Is in 2016, though his impact has been most profound in Tests. Despite a significant calf injury during the 2023 that sidelined him for part of the series, Lyon demonstrated resilience by batting heroically at in his 100th consecutive Test appearance. As of 2025, remains a key figure in Australia's squad, having contributed to victories in the 2023 World Test Championship and preparing for the upcoming Ashes series despite a recent temporary omission from the XI. His tactical acumen, including variations in flight and drift, has drawn comparisons to legendary spinners, solidifying his legacy as a transformative force in modern Australian cricket.

Early life and career beginnings

Background and family

Nathan Lyon was born on 20 November 1987 in the rural town of Young, New South Wales, Australia. He grew up in a close-knit family as the younger son of Steven and Bronwyn Lyon, alongside his older brother Brendan. Steven Lyon worked on local farms, where the family contributed to agricultural labor, fostering a strong sense of discipline and hard work from an early age. Bronwyn Lyon, a homemaker, provided steadfast support to the family while engaging in community activities in Young. The siblings' childhood in Young's countryside involved competitive play and shared responsibilities on the family-associated farms, which honed Lyon's practical skills and resilience. Early interests outside sports centered on outdoor manual tasks, with farm work introducing him to grounds maintenance and cultivating a hobby in land care that influenced his later career path. In the mid-2000s, seeking better opportunities, Lyon relocated from Young to , where he secured an apprenticeship as a groundskeeper at . This move built directly on his rural experiences with soil and turf management, providing initial exposure to facilities.

Entry into cricket and early professional steps

Lyon's introduction to cricket came during his teenage years in , where he participated in local , honing his skills as an off-spin bowler. In the mid-2000s, at age 18, he relocated to , joining the Western Districts club for and representing the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in under-17 and under-19 competitions. This period marked the beginning of his more structured involvement in the sport, blending amateur play with emerging professional aspirations. From 2008 to 2010, Lyon worked as an apprentice curator at in , a role that immersed him in the maintenance of pitches and provided unique access to training sessions with the ACT Comets, the territory's second XI side. This position not only supported his livelihood but also facilitated opportunities to bowl in nets alongside professional players, leading to trials for the Comets team under coach Mark Higgs, who recognized his potential as a spinner. His rural upbringing in Young contributed to the resilience that helped him balance groundskeeping duties with practice. Lyon played for the ACT Comets starting from 2008 in the Futures League. A standout performance in the Futures League Twenty20 in 2010, particularly against , earned him a professional contract with the Redbacks for the 2010-11 season. In the that year, he claimed 11 wickets, the most in the tournament, helping win the title. Lyon made his first-class debut for against on 23 October 2010 at , taking 1 for 48 in the first innings and 0 for 70 in the second. His rapid rise continued with selection for the A squad for the 2011 tour of , where he excelled in a tri-series against A and A, taking key wickets and demonstrating composure in international-standard conditions. These early steps, from club grounds to national recognition, underscored his unconventional path to professionalism.

Domestic career

State and first-class cricket

Nathan Lyon made his first-class debut for in the 2010–11 season, quickly establishing himself as a promising off-spinner in domestic cricket. During his time with the Redbacks from 2010 to 2013, he honed his skills in the competition, contributing to the team's efforts while balancing emerging international opportunities; his consistent performances in these early years helped build the foundation for his rapid rise. In April 2013, Lyon transferred to , citing family reasons as the primary motivation for returning closer to his hometown roots in regional . The move allowed him greater opportunities to integrate with the cricket scene and align his domestic schedule with national duties, where he has since become a cornerstone of the ' bowling attack, amassing 176 wickets in 52 matches as of the start of the 2025–26 season. This transition marked the beginning of a more prominent role in a stronger state side, enabling sustained high-level exposure in Australian . Lyon's standout domestic seasons highlight his growth and impact in the . In the 2020–21 season, he claimed the Player of the Year award, topping the charts with 50 scalps at an average of 21.88, including a career-best match haul of 10/99 (2/35 and 8/64) against Victoria in February 2021. That performance also saw him reach his 600th first-class , dismissing to mark the milestone in a match where ultimately fell short despite his efforts. His domestic form during this period, characterized by sharp turn and control on varied pitches, directly influenced his selection and consistency in the Australian Test team. In the 2024–25 season, Lyon continued his reliability, taking 10 wickets across two matches early in the campaign, highlighted by innings figures of 5/47 against at the SCG in October 2024. In the 2025–26 season, he assumed the captaincy for ' opener against in late September 2025—only his second first-class captaincy after a brief stint with in 2012—underscoring his leadership evolution within the domestic setup; as of November 2025, he has played 4 matches in the season, taking 7 wickets. Over his domestic career, Lyon's role has shifted from a supporting spinner behind pace-heavy attacks in his days to the primary slow-bowling option and tactical leader for , often dictating innings on turning tracks and mentoring younger players. This progression has solidified his status as one of Australia's premier domestic off-spinners, with over 250 wickets to his name as of November 2025.

Franchise and overseas leagues

Nathan Lyon began his Big Bash League (BBL) career with the in the inaugural 2011–12 season, playing 12 matches and taking 12 wickets at an average of 24.08 during his tenure there until 2015–16. He transitioned to the ahead of the 2016–17 season, representing them through to 2022–23 in 26 matches, where he claimed 23 wickets at an average of 22.65 and contributed to two title wins. A standout performance came in the 2019–20 BBL final against the , a rain-shortened affair, where Lyon took 2/19 from his four overs to help the Sixers secure a 19-run victory and their second championship. In August 2023, Lyon signed a three-year deal with the , extending through the 2025–26 season, but international duties sidelined him for BBL|13 and BBL|14. As of November 2025, he is poised to make his Renegades debut in BBL|15, providing the team with seasoned off-spin expertise in the T20 format. Lyon's exposure to the Indian Premier League (IPL) was limited to a single season in 2016, when Kings XI Punjab acquired him for INR 1 crore at the auction. He appeared in three matches, securing three wickets at an average of 32.33 and an economy rate of 7.11, though his role was constrained by overlapping Test commitments. Beyond Australia and India, Lyon has engaged in English county cricket to hone his skills in varied conditions. In 2017, he joined Worcestershire as a replacement player, featuring in four first-class matches and capturing six wickets at an average of 35.50. In 2019, he played five first-class matches for Northamptonshire, taking 15 wickets at an average of 31.13. His most substantial overseas stint came in 2024 with Lancashire, where he was available for the full County Championship season initially, playing eight matches and topping the county's wicket charts with 25 dismissals at an average of 28.44, including notable spells that underscored his control on seaming pitches. These experiences have enhanced his versatility in T20 and shorter-form cricket, aiding his overall development outside domestic first-class duties.

International career

Test cricket

Nathan Lyon made his Test debut for against at on 31 August 2011, claiming 5 for 34 in the first innings, including the dismissal of with his very first delivery in . His rapid ascent continued as he became a regular fixture in the side, securing 50 wickets across his first 15 Tests and establishing himself as Australia's primary off-spinner following the retirement of . After being dropped for the first Test, Lyon's breakthrough came during the 2013 Ashes series at home, where he took 19 wickets in five matches, including a crucial 4 for 42 in the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street that contributed to Australia's 5-0 whitewash. He elevated his game further in the 2019 Ashes in England, capturing 20 wickets at an average of 31.25 across five Tests, with standout figures of 6 for 49 at Edgbaston helping Australia retain the urn. His campaign was interrupted in the 2023 Ashes at Lord's, where a torn right calf muscle sustained while fielding forced him to retire hurt and miss the remaining three Tests, though he heroically batted on one leg to support Pat Cummins in a match-winning partnership. Key milestones defined Lyon's career progression, including his 100th Test appearance in 2019 during the series. He reached 500 Test wickets in December 2023 against at Perth, dismissing to join and as the only Australians to achieve the feat. As of November 2025, with 562 wickets, Lyon ranks as Australia's third-highest Test wicket-taker behind Warne (708) and McGrath (563). Lyon's recent performances underscored his enduring value, as he claimed 9 wickets in five Tests during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against at an average of 36.88, supporting Australia's pace attack on seamer-friendly pitches. On the 2025 tour of the , he took 9 wickets across two Tests at an average of 18.33, including 3 for 75 and 3 for 42 in the second Test at St. George's on July 2, before being rested for the third match in favor of an all-pace lineup. As of November 2025, Lyon has played 139 Tests, capturing 562 wickets at an average of 30.15, with 24 five-wicket hauls. Throughout his career, Lyon's effectiveness has been amplified by strategic bowling partnerships with and , forming part of 's formidable "awesome foursome" attack alongside , which has claimed over 1,500 combined Test wickets and dominated opponents in varied conditions.

Limited-overs internationals

Nathan Lyon made his One-Day International (ODI) debut for against on 8 March 2012 at the . Over the course of his ODI career, he played 29 matches, capturing 29 wickets at an average of 46.00 and an economy rate of 4.92. His best bowling figures came in the form of 4/44 against in on 16 October 2013, during a bilateral series where he provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Lyon's selection in ODIs remained sporadic, largely overshadowed by his primary role in and the preference for pace-heavy attacks in white-ball formats, leading to no appearances after the . In Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Lyon featured in just two matches, reflecting his even more limited utility in the shortest format. His debut came against India on 29 January 2016 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he bowled one over without taking a wicket. His sole T20I wicket arrived in his final appearance against Pakistan on 28 October 2018 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, finishing with figures of 1/33 from four overs. Overall, across these two outings, Lyon claimed one wicket at an average of 48.00 and an economy of 9.60, often deployed for his variations in the death overs to target set batsmen. Lyon participated in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in , marking his only appearance in the tournament across formats. In four matches, he took three wickets at an average of 60.33, with his standout performance being 2/53 against in a group-stage win at on 6 July 2019. He did not feature in any T20 World Cups, as his international white-ball opportunities dwindled post-2019 amid Australia's focus on rebuilding for the next cycle. As of November 2025, Lyon's ODI and T20I tallies stand unchanged, with no further limited-overs internationals played since 2019.

Playing style and impact

Bowling technique and variations

Nathan Lyon's bowling technique is characterized by a high arm action that allows him to impart significant spin and bounce on the ball, enabling effective drift and dip even on unresponsive pitches. This action, which brushes past his ear during release, facilitates revs typically around 2200-2400 per minute on his stock off-break, generating sharp turn for right-handers while threatening the outside edge of left-handers. His approach emphasizes precision in length and line, often pitching outside off stump to exploit the rough outside the batsman's leg stump, drawing influences from Shane Warne's benchmark of aggressive flight and deception. Lyon's key variations revolve around his off-break stock delivery, which he disguises through subtle changes in pace, flight, and wrist position to produce up to six different trajectories without altering his grip or action noticeably. The adds extra bounce to hurry batsmen, while skids on with less spin for straighter delivery, and he occasionally employs a back-spinning variation nicknamed the "" to deceive with minimal turn. Efforts to develop a wrong'un, akin to a , have been experimental but limited, as Lyon prioritizes consistency in his finger-spin over riskier wrist-flicks, with the flipper used sparingly in domestic nets for practice. Early in his career from 2011 to 2015, Lyon relied heavily on bounce and high-looping trajectories suited to Australian conditions, achieving his career-best figures of 8/50 against in Bengaluru in 2017 through aggressive turn. Post-2016, he evolved toward greater flight and guile, incorporating flatter releases and quicker arm speeds to counter subcontinent pitches, as seen during his 2017 tour where he took 21 wickets in the four-Test series by studying R Ashwin's seam variations and accuracy. This adaptation reduced leg-side scoring and emphasized stump-to-stump threat, enhancing his control in where he averaged 30.81 as of 2025. Lyon's impact is underscored by 24 five-wicket hauls in Tests as of November 2025, with 12 achieved since 2018 demonstrating his sustained effectiveness across formats. A torn right calf injury during the at sidelined him for the series' remainder, prompting to implement stricter workload management, including limited overs in and rotation in domestic fixtures to preserve his at age 37.

Batting and fielding role

Nathan Lyon serves as a defensive lower-order batsman in , typically occupying positions 8 to 10 in the batting order. Over his career, he has scored 1,638 runs in 177 at an of 12.80, with no half-centuries to his name. His highest score of 47 came against in the second Test at in November 2019, where he helped build a lead in a match they won by an and 48 runs. Lyon's batting contributions are often characterized by gritty resistance rather than flair, though he has delivered occasional counter-attacking cameos to support the tail. Notable examples include his 41 runs off 46 balls against in the first Test at in 2024, where he top-scored in Australia's second total of 164, aiding a narrow victory. These efforts have occasionally frustrated opposition attacks and extended Australia's when the top order has faltered. As a fielder, Lyon is regarded as one of Australia's elite slip catchers, with 64 catches in Test matches as of November 2025, many taken close to the wicket to complement his off-spin bowling. He has developed a strong partnership with Steve Smith at slip, where their anticipation and positioning have led to crucial dismissals, such as Smith's spectacular low catch of off Lyon's bowling in the third Test against at in December 2024. Lyon's fielding regimen focuses on reaction drills and hand-eye coordination to maintain sharpness, enhancing his overall match utility. Lyon's batting and fielding roles amplify his all-round impact, allowing him to influence outcomes beyond his primary bowling duties. In the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final against at , he took 2 for 64 and 4 for 41 while his earlier lower-order resistance helped Australia post 469 in their only innings of the match, securing a 209-run victory. Such contributions have often turned tight contests in Australia's favor, underscoring his value as a complete team player.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Nathan Lyon began his relationship with Emma McCarthy, a Perth-based real estate agent, in 2017, with the couple going public after being spotted together during a Test match in Perth. They married in a private ceremony on July 24, 2022, surrounded by close family and friends. Lyon and McCarthy welcomed their first child in September 2023, keeping the pregnancy and birth private until announcing it in December 2023. The couple revealed the baby's gender as female in October 2024, making Lyon a father to three daughters overall, including two from his previous relationship. In 2020, they purchased a $3.8 million apartment in Sydney's Tennyson Point suburb, establishing a stable base for their growing family amid Lyon's frequent international tours. McCarthy has played a key role in supporting Lyon through the challenges of his cricket schedule, including long absences for series like the 2023 Ashes, where she joined other partners of Australian players in the UK to provide emotional backing. Lyon has credited her for helping him navigate post-tour recovery and family life, acknowledging strains such as his 2023 calf injury during the Ashes, when she urged caution despite his determination to play. In 2024 and 2025, the family has shared occasional public moments, such as attending the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in March 2025 and Lyon's international matches, while focusing on their daughter's early milestones during his ongoing tours.

Interests and off-field activities

Nathan Lyon is an avid er, maintaining a handicap of 14.6 and frequently participating in events that blend his passion for the sport with his profile. He draws significant inspiration from the legacy of , viewing it as a personal duty to promote and keep the art form vibrant in Australian following Warne's death in 2022. Lyon actively supports rural youth cricket programs in his hometown of , where he began his cricketing journey. In April 2025, he hosted a free junior clinic for children aged 5 to 14 in collaboration with Cricket NSW, emphasizing skill development and encouragement for aspiring players. His involvement extends to virtual sessions, such as a 2021 Zoom chat with young regional cricketers in to motivate their participation. As Australia's National Inclusion Ambassador for Cricketers with a , has been a longstanding advocate for diversity in the , and supporting participants in all-abilities programs. In January 2025, he donated three signed bats—featuring autographs from Indian players , , and —to an auction benefiting the National Inclusion Championships, raising funds for cricketers with . He has worn promotional stickers on his gear to highlight inclusion efforts during matches. Lyon engages in media through appearances, sharing insights on his career and the game. In September 2025, he discussed life after and series on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast. Earlier, in June 2025, he appeared on Vossy & Brandy to reflect on recent victories. As a Nike athlete, he endorses the brand's apparel and equipment in his professional capacity. In the 2025 off-season, Lyon headlined the third annual Charity Sports Lunch organized by Lyon Cricket in October, alongside guests like and , to raise funds for community initiatives. He also led coaching sessions through his GOATD program in August, focusing on youth development in the Australian Capital Territory.

Achievements and legacy

Major awards and recognitions

Nathan Lyon has received several prestigious individual awards recognizing his contributions to , particularly his consistent performance as Australia's leading off-spinner. In 2019, he was named the Australian Men's Player of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards, becoming the first specialist finger-spinner to win the honor after taking 49 wickets in 11 Tests during the 2018 calendar year. This accolade highlighted his pivotal role in Australia's successful home series against and . In 2024, Lyon won the renamed Men's Player of the Year award, despite missing parts of due to injury, underscoring his enduring impact with 47 wickets in nine Tests over the voting period. Lyon has been selected for the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year on three occasions. He earned a spot in as the sole Australian, following a career-best 75 wickets across 12 Tests. In , he was included again after claiming 44 wickets in nine matches, contributing to Australia's retention of . His selection in came after bowling over 500 overs and taking 47 wickets in 11 Tests, demonstrating his workload and effectiveness in varied conditions. On the domestic front, Lyon was awarded the Sheffield Shield Player of the Season for 2020–21, where he led the wicket-taking charts with 50 dismissals in 10 matches for , helping secure their title. He also received the NSW Men's Player of the Year in 2017–18 for his standout performances in both Sheffield Shield and . Lyon's team achievements include being a key member of 's squad that won the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against at , where he took five wickets to help secure a 209-run victory and the inaugural title for the nation. He was also part of the squad that reached the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against at in June 2025, though Australia lost by 5 wickets.

Career statistics and records

Nathan Lyon has established himself as one of Australia's premier bowlers across cricket formats, with his Test career forming the cornerstone of his statistical legacy. In Test cricket, he has played 139 matches, capturing 562 wickets at an average of 30.15, with his best figures of 8/50. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Lyon has featured in 29 matches, taking 29 wickets at an average of 46.00. His limited participation in T20 Internationals includes 2 matches and 1 wicket. Across first-class cricket, he has appeared in 236 matches, securing 855 wickets.
FormatMatchesWicketsBowling AverageBest Bowling Figures
Tests13956230.158/50
ODIs292946.00-
T20Is21--
First-class236855--
Lyon's Test bowling records underscore his enduring impact, positioning him as Australia's third-highest wicket-taker behind (708 wickets) and (563 wickets). He holds the distinction of taking the most Test wickets by a non-Asian off-spinner, with 24 five-wicket hauls to his name. Globally, his 562 wickets rank him fifth among all Test bowlers. As a lower-order batsman, Lyon has a Test batting average of 12.80, the lowest among the top 10 Test wicket-takers historically, reflecting his primary role as a bowler; he has also taken 64 catches in Tests. In 2025, Lyon added to his tally during Australia's tour of the West Indies, claiming 9 wickets across 2 Tests before being omitted from the third.

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