Is Nathan Lyon retiring? Latest news and updates for Australian Test bowler

13-12-2023
4 min read
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Nathan Lyon has endured somewhat of a mixed year for Australia, missing the second-half of The Ashes series against England due to a calf injury after a solid performance overseas against India. 

The veteran off-spinner has been a constant fixture since making his Test debut in 2011, cementing himself as one of the country's greatest bowlers in history with close to 500 wickets.

Lyon is expected to return for the upcoming clashes against Pakistan and West Indies on home soil, but there have been rumblings of a potential exit from the international scene at the conclusion of the summer. 

The Sporting News has all the latest on Lyon's future below. 

MORE: Usman Khawaja lifts the lid on Test retirement plans

When will Nathan Lyon retire from Test cricket?

Despite the promo material from host broadcaster Channel 7 hinting that Lyon would be stepping away from the game, the 35-year-old shut down any idea of an impending retirement.

“I was very surprised... I couldn’t believe it, but it’s only promo stuff,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald

"I’ve definitely reset some goals and changed the finish line. 

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“When I came home [from England] I struggled a fair bit watching the guys in the last three games, just mentally... being at home, watching the AFL grand final, the NRL grand final - made me hungrier than ever before. 

“Watching those finals, seeing the jubilation of the celebrations and the heartbreak of the guys who’d lost, it just reignited a little flame inside and made it burn a lot brighter.”

During the advertisement on Seven, a voiceover claimed it could be the last time that Lyon, David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith to play together Down Under, despite only one of them likely hanging up the boots

Lyon has played 122 Test matches for Australia, including multiple Ashes series both at home and abroad, but hasn't ruled out the chance to line up against the old rivals once again in 2027.

"It's really driving me to chase some bigger things," he told Cricket.com.au earlier this year. 

"I've said previously that I want to win in India and want to win away in England, and haven't been able to do either of them... it looks like I've gotta go round another cycle."

How old is Nathan Lyon?

Lyon is 36 years old, having just celebrated his birthday in mid-November. 

Nathan Lyon Test career stats

Games Wickets Average BBI 5WI
122 496 31.00 8/50 23