Mitchell Starc backs Nathan Lyon to bounce back after Ashes injury
Australia currently lead the five-match Ashes series 3-0 over England
ADELAIDE: Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has expressed his support for veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, encouraging him to recover and resume his Test career after suffering a hamstring injury during the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.
Lyon was forced off the field on the final morning after diving to field at long leg and was later seen on crutches following scans.
Despite the setback, he briefly abandoned the crutches to join his teammates in the victory song after Australia sealed the Ashes with an 82-run win.
The injury adds to Lyon’s string of recent frustrations, having previously played 100 consecutive Tests between 2013 and 2023 before a calf injury sidelined him during the 2023 Ashes in England.
“Really unfortunate for him,” Starc said. “I'm sure it's a tough one to take. He contributed a lot in this Test match. So he should first and foremost enjoy the moment. He's helped us get to this victory.”
Lyon had made a significant impact on his return to the XI, taking five wickets in the match.
He struck twice in his first over to surpass Glenn McGrath into second place on Australia’s all-time wicket-takers list, before breaking England’s resistance with crucial dismissals on Day 4.
Starc noted that Lyon’s previous injury experiences have given him perspective on recovery and what lies ahead.
“He's obviously had a layoff with his calf through England, so he's sort of more on board with the fast bowlers in terms of what rehab takes,” Starc explained.
“I think he's still got that hunger to give more to Australia. Hopefully it's not a huge layoff, and we see him back sooner rather than later.”
While Lyon’s fitness remains a concern, Starc confirmed he feels ready to continue for the remainder of the series.
“[Feeling] good, ready to go,” he said. “I think my average speed was better than anyone's, so good to go.”
The experienced Australian core faced scrutiny ahead of the series over the team’s age profile, but Starc believes their maturity has worked to their advantage.
“I think a lot was made about how old the group is and how experienced they are. Perhaps that's played into our hands,” he said.
Although this series may be Starc’s last Ashes at home, the 2027 tour of England remains a possibility after he stepped away from T20Is to prolong his red-ball career.
“I'm not thinking two years down the track just yet. Let's just think about Melbourne and then on to Sydney. But, yeah, it'd certainly be nice to win an Ashes series in England,” he added.
Ashes 2025 Schedule:
Comments