Australia veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has confirmed that he is 100 per cent fit ahead of the two-Test match series against Sri Lankan which is scheduled to start from January 29. He was battling a sore hip during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Lyon who picked up nine wickets at an average of 36.88 during the five-Test match series against India revealed that hip issue originated in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
“It’s hard to explain; I am not very good with medical terms. It is like a little bursa [fluid sack] in my hip. I aggravated it, and it has been painful. It does not stop me from bowling, but when I land on my hip, it is pretty 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 regimen, including running and gym sessions.
“All things going well, it is on the mend. I will be 100 percent fit," Lyon reassured. “I had a scan after the Test and a jab. All things going well, it IS on the mend. I did a running and gym session [on Friday]. I am trying to avoid contact. I will be 100 per cent fit."
Lyon's presence will boost Australia's morale as he previously bowled 87 overs in a single Test in Colombo in 2016. The conditions of Sri Lankan pitches will help the Australia off-spinner during the upcoming assignment.
“I originally thought it would be spin-friendly, but I think it’ll be similar to the second Test in 2022 when Dinesh Chandimal got 206. It will be hard work, but I doubt we will be playing five spinners," he added.
Lyon has picked up 539 Test wickets in 134 matches at an average of 30.39, including 24 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket match hauls, Lyon remains Australia’s premier spin option. He holds a great record in Sri Lanka picking 35 wickets in eight matches at an average of 32.02, with best figures of 5/34.
Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.