January 11, 2025: Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has confirmed he will be fully fit to play in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to begin on January 29, 2025. Lyon, who has been dealing with a sore hip, reassured fans that he will be 100% fit for the tour, which is expected to feature challenging conditions on Sri Lanka's turning pitches.
Lyon had experienced discomfort with his hip during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India but has made significant progress since then. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Lyon explained that his injury was related to a bursa (a fluid sack) in his hip, which had caused some pain, particularly when landing during his bowling. However, after a scan and treatment, including a jab, Lyon confirmed that the injury was improving, and he was confident of being match-ready.
As part of the Australian squad for the Sri Lanka series, Lyon will be joined by young spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann. The trio will play a crucial role, given Sri Lanka's traditionally spin-friendly pitches. Lyon, however, believes that the conditions will be similar to those in the second Test in 2022, where Dinesh Chandimal scored a double century. He expects challenging wickets, but not necessarily spin-dominated ones, ruling out the likelihood of five spinners in the playing XI.
Lyon, with 539 wickets in 134 Tests, is one of Australia's greatest bowlers and is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history. His experience in Sri Lanka is notable, with 35 wickets from eight matches, including two five-wicket hauls.
The squad for the tour also includes some new faces, with former Australia U19 captain Cooper Connolly earning his first Test call-up and Nathan McSweeney being recalled after missing the previous series. However, notable absences include Josh Hazlewood (due to a calf injury) and Mitchell Marsh, who will focus on the ICC Champions Trophy. Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Peter Handscomb, who were considered for the tour, were not selected.
The Sri Lanka series is part of the World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle, although Australia and South Africa have already secured the top two spots, with the final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s.
The two Tests will be played in Galle, with the first match starting on January 29 and the second from February 6.
