‘I’ll do anything for this team’ – Nathan Lyon talks about love of playing for Australia after batting despite injury in Ashes

Australia locked horns with England in the second Test of the Ashes 2023 which kicked off on Wednesday at Lord’s. Australia came into the Test match with a 1-0 lead in the five-match series as they won the first match by two wickets. After the end of play on day four, the visitors have an upper hand in the second Test as they need only six wickets to win the match whereas, on the other hand, the Three Lions need 257 runs in order to level the series.

Everyone was taken aback when Nathan Lyon came out to bat on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test after suffering a serious calf injury earlier in the game that is anticipated to keep him out for the rest of the series. He built a critical 15-run partnership for the last wicket with Mitchell Starc. Earlier after the injury, he was seen walking with the help of crutches.

I had a dream to win an Ashes series over here: Nathan Lyon

Lyon only faced 13 balls and scored four runs, but his effort was recognized by the England team, who gave him a standing ovation. The 36-year-old spinner highlighted that nothing would stop him from trying to help his team to take a 2-0 series lead.

“I’ve been having conversations since it happened with our medical team. I knew the risks. But I’ll do anything for this team. You never know how big a 15-run partnership can be in an Ashes series. I’m proud of myself for going out there and doing that. I love this team. I love playing cricket for Australia. And if I can help out my teammates here and there, I’ll do that. It was my call,” Lyon was quoted as saying to the reporters after day four stumps.

I spoke to Ron (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty. Patty was probably a little bit hesitant but I’ll do anything for this team, and I’d do it again tomorrow. “I’m absolutely shattered, heartbroken. Speechless is probably the best way to put it. I had a dream to win an Ashes series over here, I’ve said it publicly, privately and everything else. Right now to have a severe calf strain it’s disappointing, it’s heartbreaking,” the off-spinner asserted.