Nathan Lyon Suffering From ‘Pretty Painful’ Hip Injury, But ‘100 Percent Fit’ For Sri Lanka Tour

Last Updated:January 11, 2025, 12:41 IST

Nathan Lyon says he has a ‘little bursa’ or sac of fluid on his thigh which has worsened and is now painful.

Nathan Lyon (Photo Credit: AFP)

Former Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has confirmed his full fitness ahead of Australia’s two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, which begins on January 29. Despite battling a sore thigh during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, he ensured Lyon fans and selectors that he is ‘100 per cent fit’ and ready for the challenging conditions in Sri Lanka.

Lyon, who took nine wickets at an average of 36.88 during the India series, revealed that the hip issue originated in the first Test against India. Explaining his condition, he said:

“It’s hard to explain; I am not very good with medical terms. It’s like a little bursa [fluid sack] in my hip. I aggravated it, and it has been painful. It doesn’t stop me bowling, but when I land on my hip, it’s quite painful,” Lyon was quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald as saying.

After undergoing scans and receiving treatment, including a corticosteroid injection, Lyon resumed his fitness regime, including running and gym sessions.

“Everything is going well, it’s underway. I will be 100 per cent fit,” assured Lyon. “I had a scan after the Test and an injection. All going well, it’s underway. I did a running and gym session. [on Friday]. I try to avoid contact. I will be 100 per cent fit.”

Having previously bowled 87 overs in one Test in Colombo in 2016, Lyon is no stranger to the demands of Sri Lankan conditions. While spin-friendly pitches are often predicted, Lyon expects ‘good cricket wickets’, pointing to the second Test in Sri Lanka in 2022 as an example, where Dinesh Chandimal scored a double century on a balanced track.

“I originally thought it would be spin-friendly, but I think it will be like the second Test in 2022 when Dinesh Chandimal got 206. It will be hard work, but I doubt it” that we will play five spinners,” he added.

With 539 Test wickets in 134 matches at an average of 30.39, including 24 five-wicket overs and five draw wickets, Lyon remains Australia’s premier spin option. He has also excelled in Sri Lanka, taking 35 wickets in eight matches at an average of 32.02, with best figures of 5/34.

Right-handed batsman Steve Smith will take on the duties of captain on an interim basis as Pat Cummins sits out the series. Cummins is on paternity leave and recovering from a minor ankle problem picked up during Australia’s recent home summer.

Smith, an experienced leader, will lead a 16-member squad that includes experienced players and exciting young talent.

The squad includes spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann, alongside Lyon, to navigate Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions. Murphy and Kuhnemann, who impressed in earlier subcontinental tours, are expected to play significant roles.

Former Under-19 World Cup captain Cooper Connolly earned his first Test call-up, while Nathan McSweeney returns after missing the last two Tests against India. McSweeney’s inclusion reflects the selectors’ focus on nurturing young talent.

However, notable omissions include Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Peter Handscomb, who were previously considered for the tour. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are also unavailable as they recover from injuries and prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy later this year.

While the Sri Lanka series contributes to the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025, Australia and South Africa have already secured the top two positions in the standings. Australia, with 63.73% of possible points, will face South Africa (69.44%) in the WTC Final at Lord’s on June 11, 2024.

Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka presents unique challenges, especially for the spinners, as they contend with turning pitches and damp conditions. Lyon, Murphy, and Kuhnemann are likely to form the backbone of Australia’s bowling attack, while the batting, led by Smith, will need to adapt quickly to the conditions.

Lyon remains optimistic about the team’s chances, stressing preparation and adaptability as the keys to success.

“Playing in Sri Lanka is always a test of skill and patience, but we are up for the challenge,” concluded Lyon.

The two-match Test series begins on January 29, followed by one ODI on February 13.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from the feed of a syndicated news agency – IANS)