Despite a 2-2 Ashes series, Nathan Lyon doesn’t offer BazBall much respect in the Test cricket scene, with the off-spinner also vowing to return to England in 2027.
Lyon, Australia’s greatest ever off-spinner, threw the Aussies into disarray when he tore his calf at Lord’s after proving the tourists’ best option with the ball in the first two Tests.
The 35-year-old finished 2-0 in his two Tests against the new-look England side but could only watch from afar as Brendon McCullum’s side clawed its way back into the Ashes.
Now, Lyon says he’s been inspired to do everything he can to be there for the 2027 Ashes, when the series returns to England.
“I tell you one thing, I’m definitely not joking about going back to (the) Ashes,” he told SEN’s The Run Home.
“I feel like having this injury, coming home and watching the guys play the three Test matches has really driven me to get back there and make sure I’m back playing cricket.
“My hunger for the game has probably gone to a new level, this has allowed me to have a little bit more time off during my rehab, sit back, reflect and reset some goals and find a really decent purpose for me.
“I’m definitely not writing off going back to England for the Ashes… the finish line for me hasn’t even popped up in my eyesight yet, I’ve still got a lot of cricket left in me in my eyes and a lot to offer the Renegades, New South Wales cricket but also Australia.”
By 2027, Australia will not have won the Ashes in England for 27 years. Lyon will be 39 when the first ball is bowled.
The GOAT also explained why he still doesn’t value BazBall and its sustainability at the top level.
“I know everyone keeps talking about BazBall, to be honest, I didn’t really see BazBall… throughout my two Tests again them,” Lyon continued.
“I’m 2-0 in my Tests against BazBall… I look at the Australian cricket team and the batters we’ve had, David Warner for example… I’ve seen him score hundreds in a session… and that’s off playing an attacking brand of cricket.
“I think there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors with BazBall, if I’m being honest with you, and I feel like if you’re going to play an aggressive brand of cricket anyway, it’s about being able to go up and down in gears and understanding the moments in the game.”
It comes on the day Lyon completed a shock BBL switch to the Melbourne Renegades from the Sydney Sixers.
Lyon, who joins the Renegades on a three-year deal, also had a subtle dig at his former side where he spent 10 seasons at.
“It’s (T20) a format that I thoroughly enjoy,” he offered on the BBL.
“I honestly thought I would have finished my career playing for the Sixers here, but they obviously didn’t see the value in me. So that’s where I’m extremely grateful for the Renegades… I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to get down there and be a part of what of it… (Victorians) all love their sport, so I’m keen to get down there and see the support the Renegades get firsthand.
“Obviously with their connection to the country through Geelong as well was a big tick for me to move down there.”
As he continues in his recovery from the calf setback, Lyon confirmed he would be fit for BBL|13’s commencement in December this year.