Test cricket veteran Nathan Lyon has dismissed speculation about retirement plans for Australia’s seasoned bowling quartet, countering criticism from former captain Steve Waugh regarding the national selectors’ reluctance to make tough decisions. Lyon, 37, along with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, all feature prominently in Australia’s top ten Test wicket-takers, yet questions linger about their longevity in the sport.
As Australia gears up to retain the Ashes, Lyon insists that age is merely a number, emphasizing the advancements in sports science that allow modern cricketers to extend their careers. “The game has totally changed,” Lyon remarked. “The game is a lot more professional than what it was even 10 years ago. The science behind it all, the recovery, the way that players and the athletes look after themselves and the work they do outside hours to make sure they’re putting hours in to get their bodies right (have all improved).”
The Quartet’s Future in Focus
Lyon, Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins have been pivotal in Australia’s bowling attack, but their advancing ages have sparked discussions about the future. Despite this, Lyon remains optimistic about their continued contributions. “As soon as you start talking about retirement, it’s going to come around a lot quicker,” he stated. “I haven’t thought about retirement or spoken about retirement, and I know ‘Starcy’ hasn’t done that, and I know that Josh and Pat (haven’t either).”
The quartet’s camaraderie and shared passion for cricket are evident, with Lyon adding, “We love playing cricket with each other, we love playing cricket for Australia, we love playing our role and we love winning Test matches, so we’ll continue to do that for a while.”
Emerging Talents and Transition Plans
While the current Test attack remains largely unchanged, captain Pat Cummins reassures that the next generation of bowlers is ready to step up when needed. Scott Boland has already proven his mettle in red-ball games, and several emerging quicks have shown promise in the domestic circuit and international tours.
“It’s something we talk about as coaches and selectors,” Cummins explained. “White-ball (cricket) is where a lot of these opportunities come through in and amongst the Shield. We talk about it, and even some of the squads in recent years, you’ve seen some of the younger guys go to Sri Lanka and the West Indies.”
Former captain Steve Waugh recently criticized chief selector George Bailey, suggesting he needs to make tougher decisions. “George Bailey’s going to have to make some tough calls,” Waugh commented, implying that players have been too influential in selection processes.
Selectors’ Stance and Communication
Lyon, however, disagrees with Waugh’s assessment, citing his own experience of being dropped for a Test in the West Indies. “I had a really hard conversation with Tony Dodemaide, Andrew McDonald and Pat regarding that last Test match, so I don’t necessarily agree with that,” Lyon said. “I feel like the selectors at the moment within the current set-up have been really clear with their messages and they’re willing to make hard calls.”
He emphasized the importance of strong communication between players, coaches, and selectors, stating, “I feel like our relationship and communication with the coaches and selectors and the players is really strong, and that’s incredibly important.”
All-Rounder Cam Green’s Role
Meanwhile, captain Cummins addressed the potential selection of all-rounder Cam Green as a specialist batter for the upcoming matches in Perth. Green’s fitness to bowl remains uncertain, but Cummins remains flexible. “It’d be great (if he can bowl) because he’s an all-rounder and is a huge asset whenever he can bowl,” Cummins noted. “But I don’t think it’s the most important thing in the world.”
Green is expected to bowl 15-20 overs for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, with Beau Webster also in the Ashes squad. Cummins added, “In the West Indies, he played but couldn’t bowl and we worked around that. It’d be another bonus, but I don’t think it’s the most important thing.”
As Australia prepares for the Ashes, the focus remains on balancing the experience of its seasoned bowlers with the integration of emerging talents, ensuring a seamless transition for the national side.
