Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Nathan Lyon injury recovery remains one of the biggest stories in Australian cricket as the veteran off-spinner declared he wants to play every available Test despite recovering from a serious hamstring injury. Speaking on Monday after another positive step in his rehabilitation, Lyon made it clear he has no plans to slow down ahead of a demanding stretch that could see Australia play up to 21 Tests in the next 12 months. His determination comes after months of recovery following the injury he suffered during the Adelaide Ashes Test, an incident that temporarily cast doubt over his future at the highest level.

Lyon Sends Strong Message to Selectors

The 141-Test veteran has spent months rebuilding his fitness after tearing his hamstring off the bone during the Ashes series. While selectors and coaching staff have publicly discussed managing his workload, Lyon has personally made his position known.

“I saw George’s comments, he’s had a phone call. I’ve seen Andrew’s comments, he’s had a phone call,” Lyon said.

The spinner was responding to recent remarks from chief selector George Bailey and coach Andrew McDonald, who both stopped short of guaranteeing his place in the side once he returns.

For Lyon, the objective remains simple.

“I wouldn’t be doing all this work right now if I didn’t want to play every Test match.

“No one has a given right to be selected for Australia, so I know I need to make sure I’m performing, doing all the right things, but I’m, head and heart, set on playing every Test match I’m available for.”

Recovery Progress Continues

Cricket Australia staff are encouraged by Lyon's progress. The veteran has committed heavily to his rehabilitation program, spending significant time in the gym while also taking up road cycling during recovery.

Physical performance coach Ross Herridge confirmed the spinner is progressing as planned and continues to meet every recovery target.

“It’s been quite a long process from the Adelaide Test. We’re probably two-thirds through it now ... it’s a pretty traumatic injury,” said Cricket Australia physical performance coach Ross Herridge.

“We’ve got markers through this process, physical markers, that we check along the way. So far he’s hit all of them.”

Lyon bowled at Sydney's Cricket Central on Monday and is expected to progress to bowling on turf wickets against batters in the coming weeks. The signs point toward him being available for Australia's home Test series against Bangladesh in August.

Origin Comeback Inspires Lyon

Throughout his rehabilitation, retirement never seriously entered Lyon's mind. Instead, he found fresh motivation while watching New South Wales complete a dramatic comeback victory in State of Origin.

The atmosphere and emotion of that win left a lasting impression on the veteran spinner.

“Seeing those guys being able to write a fairytale script for so many people in the crowd, and for a professional athlete, to have that ability to do that, that’s really driving me at the moment,” Lyon said.

“I was sitting there with my wife and I literally said to Em, ‘I’m not ready to give up this, I’m missing this right now’.”

The comments underline Lyon's determination to return not just as a squad member but as a key figure in Australia's Test plans. If his recovery continues on schedule, Australian fans could soon see one of the country's greatest spin bowlers back leading the attack during a packed international calendar.

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External Source: Cricket Australia Official Website