Lancashire, one of the most successful county cricket team in England has secured the services of Australian Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the upcoming 2024 season which will commence on April 5.
The 35-year-old cricketer, known for his formidable off-spin bowling, recently marked his return to first-class cricket for New South Wales in Sheffield Sheild after recovering from a calf injury sustained during the second Ashes Test against England in June.
Lyon, who enjoyed a brief stint with Worcestershire in 2017, demonstrated his prowess by claiming six wickets in four games. Now, Lancashire anticipates his valuable contributions across all formats, adding depth and experience to their squad.
The signing comes at a time when Lancashire is in search of a new head coach following Glen Chapple’s departure at the end of the previous season. Lyon’s wealth of experience, especially having played in 100 consecutive Tests before his unfortunate injury, brings a level of resilience and skill that could prove instrumental for Lancashire.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, Lyon shared his excitement on the club’s website, stating,
“This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to heading over to England for a full season of county cricket with Lancashire.”
He also expressed his love for playing cricket in England and his eagerness to continue learning and improving his game.
Interestingly, this isn’t Lyon’s first venture into English county cricket, as he had previously signed with Hampshire in 2020. However, the move was disrupted due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, preventing him from showcasing his talent in the English cricketing circuit.
Lyon’s impressive record, with 496 Test wickets for Australia, places him among the elite in international cricket. Only Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have surpassed Lyon’s remarkable feat in terms of Test wickets for the Baggy Greens.
Despite the setback of missing the final three Ashes Tests due to injury, Lyon remains a formidable bowler in test cricket. Nathan Lyon to their squad not only strengthens their bowling lineup but also brings a wealth of experience that could prove pivotal for Lancashire. The Red Rose County will undoubtedly benefit from Lyon’s skills.
