Mitchell Starc expects Nathan Lyon to have the desire to return to Test cricket after his hamstring tear, as Australia plot the immediate path forward without the veteran spinner.
Australia’s players will resume preparations for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Tuesday, fresh off the high of celebrating retaining the Ashes.
Selectors also have big calls to make, with at least three changes to Australia’s side expected at the MCG as the hosts go after a 5-0 series whitewash.
Pat Cummins has indicated he could sit out the rest of the series to manage his back, opening the door for Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser or Jhye Richardson.
A decision must be made on who makes way for Steve Smith on his return from vertigo symptoms, with Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis likely battling for one spot.
And Todd Murphy, Corey Rocchiccioli and Matt Kuhnemann are all options to replace Lyon, following his hamstring injury at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Having had an injury-free run through most of his Test career, Lyon’s only other real setback since his 2011 Test debut was a torn calf in the 2023 Ashes.
At age 38 he now faces a recovery missing from this hamstring injury, sustained while diving to save a boundary on the final day in Adelaide.
But Lyon has made clear he wants to play into 2027, and is still bowling as well as ever after playing a crucial role in setting up victory in the third Test.
“It’s really unfortunate for him,” Statc said.
“I’m sure it’s a tough one to take. He contributed a lot in this Test match. He’s helped us get to this victory.
“He’s obviously had a layoff with his calf through England, so he’s sort of more on board with the fast bowlers in terms of what rehab takes.
“I think he’s still got that hunger to give more to Australia.
“That’s all for him to think through. Hopefully it’s not a huge layoff and he’s back sooner than later.”
Beyond this Ashes series, Australia’s next red-ball commitment is not until August with two Tests against Bangladesh in Mackay and Darwin.
That will kickstart the busiest 12 months of Test cricket in Australia’s history, with up to 21 matches to be played in that period.
Starc, meanwhile, bowled 33 overs in Adelaide with short turnarounds between there, Melbourne and Sydney.
But the 35-year-old is insistent he will not be rested at the MCG, having long opposed the idea of rotation after being sat out of the Boxing Day Test in 2012.
A combination injuries and selection then denied the left-armer three more MCG Tests in 2013, 2014 and 2015, before he finally played there against Pakistan in 2016.
“I plan every summer to play every game,.” Starc said this week.
“So for me, that’s not changing.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cricket/starc-believes-lyon-will-have-desire-to-return-c-21090652
