WI vs AUS 2025: 'I was disappointed at many levels' - Nathan Lyon reflects on Jamaica Test snub

The veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has reflected on his absence from the final Test of Australia’s recent Caribbean tour, acknowledging it was a difficult moment but one he ultimately understood.

Lyon was omitted from the playing XI for the third pink-ball Test at Sabina Park, marking the first time he had been left out of a Test match for non-injury reasons since 2013. The decision was reportedly based on the expected conditions, with selectors opting for a pace-heavy attack featuring four fast bowlers.

While appearing at a corporate event with a sponsor linked to his Big Bash League side, the Melbourne Renegades, Lyon expressed disappointment about the decision, particularly as it meant missing out on participating in teammate Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test, a significant career milestone for his long-time colleague.

"There's no point hiding behind it. I was disappointed with the decision, but I totally understood it. Disappointed on a number of levels that: One, I believe I can play a role in any conditions, and I still honestly believe that. And then honestly, the other one was not to walk out on the field with Starcy. I've played 90-odd Test matches with Starcy, so to be able to walk out there with him in his 100th would have been amazing. But I was still there, running the drinks, and still part of it,” Lyon said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I want to play every game for Australia, and I've just got that belief that I can play a role in any conditions, as every cricketer should have that belief. But at the end of the day, we can sit here and say hats off to them, they made the right call. And if I'm going to miss a game, Scott Boland is probably the guy you want to see go out there and perform. And for him to go out there and bowl like he did, like we always know he does, to take a hat-trick, was pretty special. And to witness the guys bowl them out for 27 that was pretty amazing," he added.

I'm not done yet, more to achieve: Lyon

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I'm not done yet, more to achieve: Lyon

The conversation has been fueled by Lyon’s limited involvement in recent pink-ball Tests, having not bowled a single over in the 2022 Ashes Test in Hobart and just one over in last year’s day-night Test against India in Adelaide.

Despite those trends, Lyon is understood to be confident in his place for the entire Ashes series, especially given his strong record at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the Gabba in Brisbane, and the Adelaide Oval.

"I'm definitely not thinking about my place in the team. I know my role in the side, and the conditions really was the reason why I missed that Test match. But I'm fully focused on making sure that fitness levels are high, skill levels are high, leading into the first three Shield games and then into the Perth Test match. I love bowling in Perth. Love bowling all around Australia if I'm being honest with you, so no, I've got no doubts there," Lyon said.

The Caribbean tour has been a learning curve for Konstas: Lyon

There remains some uncertainty around who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order for the Perth Test, following a challenging Caribbean tour for Sam Konstas. The young batter struggled to find form during the series, prompting questions about his readiness for a long-term role. However, Lyon, who has quietly backed Konstas, cautioned against putting too much pressure on the emerging player.

"I think it's been a massive learning curve for Sam. I don't think we need to be so hard on him. I think he's obviously young, and he's still learning his game. And I think we've all, as Test cricketers, been through those periods throughout our career. It's about, especially our senior players, making sure that we're getting around him and making sure that he knows he's got full support,” said Lyon.

"I'm not a selector but I'd be surprised if he didn't go on the [Australia A] tour to India. So, I think he's going to have some cricket there, but then he's obviously got Shield cricket as well. And like everyone, we want to go out there and perform for our states and make sure that we're putting our hands up for national selection. No one's got a given right to be picked for Australia. And so, it's about us putting our arms around him, making sure that he goes out there and backs his skill and finds a method that he wants to bat with," he added.

I am expecting bigger from Labuschagne: Lyon

The off-spinner also expressed confidence that Marnus Labuschagne would respond positively following his omission during the Caribbean tour, suggesting that the middle-order batter is likely to find his form ahead of the home summer.

As for his own preparations, Lyon is expected to undergo a two-month pre-season with New South Wales, aiming to feature in at least three of the four Sheffield Shield matches prior to the opening Test. However, it is understood that Cricket Australia, in collaboration with NSW selectors, will carefully manage his workload to ensure he remains in peak condition for the season ahead.

"Marn's upbeat, and so he should be. His Test record speaks volumes. He absolutely put a couple of coaches into the ground over there with the amount of training that he was doing. But that's Marn. That's the way he prepares. And he's still a class player, and he will be for a long period of time. So I'm still expecting bigger and better things from Marnus," Lyon said.

Excited to play against each other: Lyon

Lyon is also optimistic about finally making his BBL debut for the Melbourne Renegades, now entering his third season on the club’s roster. With the Ashes series concluding before the latter part of the BBL campaign, he could be available for up to four regular-season matches, plus any finals should the Renegades qualify.

Among the fixtures, one stands out in particular - a clash against the Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval, the venue where Lyon began both his professional and BBL career. He shared that he is looking forward to the prospect of bowling to long-time teammates and close friends Travis Head and Alex Carey.

"We've already spoken about that, but that's all in good fun. I've obviously got a massive summer ahead of that. But if we get the opportunity to play each other in the Big Bash I'll have to put all my notes in the back of the memory,” he concluded.