Nathan Lyon Reveals Disappointment At Missing Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test

Nathan Lyon has outlined his disappointment at missing Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test appearance for Australia.

The prolific spinner was dropped from the lineup for the final Test against West Indies due to the conditions, which favoured seamers, and the fact that it was a pink-ball Test.

Lyon did not bowl a single over in the 2022 Ashes pink-ball Test in Hobart and delivered just one in their pink-ball Test against India in Adelaide last year.

Although he understood the decision, Lyon was ultimately disappointed not to be alongside Starc for his landmark moment.

Australia won the final Test by 176 runs, bowling West Indies out for just 27 runs in their second innings to seal a series sweep.

“There's no point hiding behind it, I was disappointed with the decision, but I totally understood it,” he said.

“Disappointed on a number of levels: One, I believe I can play a role in any conditions, and I still honestly believe that. And then honestly, the other one was not to walk out on the field with Starcy.

“I've played 90-odd Test matches with Starcy, so to be able to walk out there with him for his 100th would have been amazing. But I was still there, running the drinks, and still part of it.

“I want to play every game for Australia, and I've just got that belief that I can play a role in any conditions, as every cricketer should have that belief.

“But at the end of the day, we can sit here and say hats off to them, they made the right call. And if I'm going to miss a game, Scott Boland is probably the guy you want to see go out there and perform.

“And for him to go out there and bowl like he did, like we always know he does, to take a hat-trick, was pretty special. And to witness the guys bowl them out for 27, that was pretty amazing.”

Despite missing his first Test since 2013 for a reason other than injury, Lyon has no concerns about his spot in the Ashes squad this December.

“I'm definitely not thinking about my place in the team,” Lyon added. “I know my role in the side, and the conditions really were the reason why I missed that Test match.

“But I'm fully focused on making sure that fitness levels are high, skill levels are high, leading into the first three Shield games and then into the Perth Test match.

“I love bowling in Perth. I love bowling all around Australia if I'm being honest with you, so no, I've got no doubts there.”