Nathan Lyon replacement: Alex Carey to become Australian songmaster after spinner's calf injury

05-07-2023
3 min read
(Getty Images)

Nathan Lyon's calf injury has left a massive hole in the Australian lineup for the remainder of The Ashes series - but his absence won't just be felt on the field.

The veteran off-spinner left the field during the second match against England at Lord's and scans revealed a torn calf, ruling him out for the final three games.

It ends an incredible run from Lyon, who played in 100 consecutive Test matches, and will open the door for rising star Todd Murphy to come into the side. 

But the other issue for the Aussies is who will sing the potential post-game song, with Lyon holding the songmaster role for the past decade. 

MORE: England vice-captain ruled out with injury | England, Australia divided over Bairstow wicket

Who will replace Nathan Lyon as Australian songmaster?

Lyon has held the all-important position as team songmaster since being handed the reins by Michael Hussey back in 2013, with the spinner leading the rendition of "Under The Southern Cross I Stand" after the side's victories.

In his place for the remainder of this Ashes series will be wicket-keeper Alex Carey, who has plenty of Test cricket ahead of him and could become the full-time replacement for Lyon once he retires. 

Carey's recent dismissal of Jonny Bairstow caused plenty of divide across the cricket world, but his place in the Australian side has been cemented off the back of consistent performers in the Baggy Green. 

Australian cricket team songmaster history

Since its introduction by the late Rod Marsh in the 1970s, there have been eight official songmasters for the Australian Test side, with Carey set to become the ninth victory song leader.

  • Rod Marsh
  • Allan Border
  • David Boon
  • Ian Healy
  • Ricky Ponting
  • Justin Langer
  • Michael Hussey
  • Nathan Lyon
  • Alex Carey

Australian cricket team song lyrics

The official lyrics for the Australian cricket team song are as follows:

Under the Southern Cross I stand,
A sprig of wattle in my hand,
A native of my native land,
Australia, you f*****g beauty

Australia have been lucky enough to sing the song on plenty of occasions in recent years, and will be hopeful of continuing to belt out the victory tune in the remaining three Ashes games.