Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has backed England all-rounder Ben Stokes as the latter is under investigation over a nightclub incident after the Lord’s Test win against New Zealand. Stokes was left out of the second Test and there were reports emerging that he is considering taking retirement from international cricket. Amid unconfirmed reports, Lyon hopes that Stokes does not retire. He has immense respect for the English all-rounder, calling him one of the greatest to grace the game of cricket. He intends to play against him in the next year’s Ashes on England soil.
“I really hope this isn't the end of Ben Stokes' career. I've got nothing but respect for Ben, if I'm being brutally honest. I think Ben's going to go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game,” Lyon said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson were made unavailable for selection for the second Test that is scheduled to begin on June 17 at The Kennington Oval, London. Instead of vice-captain Harry Brook, Joe Root has been named the interim Test captain while the Cricket Regulator completes the investigation.
McCullum worried for Stokes
Meanwhile, England head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed that he is worried about Stokes. He revealed that he was gutted to learn about the nightclub incident as Stokes and Atkinson broke the curfew put in place by ECB. However, he admitted that Stokes and Atkinson 'have not lived up to the standards' set for the England team. He said that he has seen Stokes at his best as captain and as a player. He also revealed that he is in regular touch with Stokes.
When will Lyon return to action?
The 38-year-old off-spinner had a hamstring injury during the Ashes 2025-26. He has been rehabbing since. He will be back in action in the historic two-Test series against Bangladesh at home. The two-Test series begins on August 13 at Marrara Stadium, Darwin. The second Test will begin at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay.
Lyon intends to play in all Test series for Australia’s remainder of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign. In September, Australia will tour South Africa for three Tests followed by three Tests at home against New Zealand. Then, Lyon's services will be crucial in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 on Indian soil.
Lyon also responded to chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald's comments about his Test future. The veteran off-spinner said that he wouldn't be putting in the hard yards if he didn't want to play every Test going forward.
Lyon chasing 600 Test wickets
Lyon currently has 567 wickets in 141 Tests. With the amount of Tests left in the current cycle, Lyon can become the sixth bowler to take 600 wickets in Test cricket history. Among Australian bowlers, he is only second to legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne who retired with 708 Test wickets.