‘Want to play every match’ – Nathan Lyon eyeing Test return | CricTracker

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has reaffirmed his desire to continue representing the team in Test cricket on his return from a hamstring injury.

The 38-year-old suffered a significant hamstring tear while fielding in Australia’s series-clinching third Test victory in the Ashes against England at the Adelaide Oval in December 2025. He has not played cricket since, and faces a race against time to be fit for Australia’s first Test assignment since the Ashes, a two-match Test series against Bangladesh in August to be played in Darwin and Mackay.

As reported by cricket.com.au, Lyon currently spends at least five days a week in the gym, has covered around 700km after taking up road cycling as part of his recovery, and is almost back to running at full intensity. He also plans to begin bowling on turf wickets in the coming weeks.

“It’s been quite a long process from the Adelaide Test. We’re probably two-thirds through it now. it’s a pretty traumatic injury. We’ve got markers through this process, physical markers, that we check along the way. So far he’s hit all of them,” said Cricket Australia physical performance coach Ross Herridge, as reported by the aforementioned source.

Despite this, Australia’s Chief Selector George Bailey is still bearish on Lyon’s ability to play every Test match due to the seriousness of the injury, and with age not being on Lyon’s side.

“It’s a pretty significant hamstring tendon injury to a 38-year-old, so there’s a sense of realism it may not ever get back to the upper echelon of where you need it to. So what does that look like? It may mean there’s not necessarily the capacity to play big blocks of games, and you may have to look at that. It’s just being a little bit aware that’s a possibility,” Bailey had stated earlier, as reported by the aforementioned source.

Lyon responded by reaffirming his commitment to playing every Test as Australia set off on a 12-month period in which they could play up to 21 Tests, starting in August.

“I saw George’s comments; he’s had a phone call. I’ve seen Andrew’s comments; he’s had a phone call. I wouldn’t be doing all this work right now if I didn’t want to play every Test match. No one has a given right to be selected for Australia, so I know I need to make sure I’m performing, doing all the right things, but I’m, head and heart, set on playing every Test match I’m available for. I know how hungry I am, and I’m addicted to training. I’m addicted to trying to get better every day, so trying to get back to the fitness level was never a concern for me,” Lyon said, as reported by the aforementioned source.

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