Nathan Lyon targets Shield return with an eye on the future

Nathan Lyon suffered a horrific calf injury in the second Test of the recently concluded Ashes 2023, which ruled him out from the remainder of the series. He is currently undergoing rehab and is planning to make his return in the upcoming Sheffield Shield. Ahead of that, the veteran spinner has confirmed that his rehab is going well and is thankful for all the support from New South Wales and Cricket Australia. 

Meanwhile, he expects that by the time summer arrives in Australia, he will be fit enough and will be able to take part in the series against Pakistan and West Indies. He also expects to play at least five Shield games to get back into the groove.

“It's coming along really nicely. First time ever in rehab which is a new experience, but I've got all the support there at New South Wales Cricket and within Cricket Australia, so all going okay. I'm getting sick of calf raises, but should be pretty good come summer,” Lyon told cricket.com.au.

Meanwhile, talking about his injury, Lyon mentioned that it was horrible and struggled to watch the national team playing without him being in the mix. He admitted to missing the game but added, saying that it was a different experience altogether. 

“It was horrible. There's no point hiding behind it, I struggled watching it, and struggled mentally not being there. It was the first time in twelve years I've been away from the Test team, so it was a different lens. But I now know the reaction back here while the Ashes is on because I never see that side of things,” the 35-year-old added.

I want to win in India and want to win away in England: Lyon

Lyon doesn’t want to slow down as he aims to win Test series against India and England away from home. He is yet to achieve this feat in his career and wants to do it before calling it time. Notably, he will next travel to England in 2027 but plans to stay fit till then in order to conquer his dream.

“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. So it looks like I've gotta go round another cycle,” Lyon mentioned.