The Ashes 2025-26: "Don't have a point to prove to anyone"- Nathan Lyon eyeing comeback in Australian XI for Adelaide test

Nathan Lyon was not part of Australia’s playing XI in the second test of The Ashes 2025-26 in Brisbane.

Australian Cricket Team spinner Nathan Lyon is eyeing a comeback in the third test of The Ashes 2025-26, saying that he loves representing the national team. He also added that he is looking forward to executing a powerful performance in the forthcoming games of the series against England Cricket Team.

The senior Australian spinner was left-out of the playing XI in the second test at The Gabba in Brisbane, with the hosts opting for a pace-dominated bowling unit in the pink-ball test. He was part of the first game in Perth, where he went wicketless in the first innings and did not bowl in the second innings.

However, Australian selectors had clarified that Lyon’s absence from the second game was a condition-based decision. Hence, the senior Aussie spinner is highly expected to make a comeback in the next encounter.

I love representing Australia: Nathan Lyon ahead of the Adelaide test

In a chat with ESPNCricinfo ahead of the Adelaide test, Lyon said that he has played 140 test matches for Australia and doesn’t have a point to prove to anyone. He also added that he loves playing for Australia and will continue with the job whenever he gets the opportunity.

“I’ve played 140 Test matches, I feel like I don’t have a point to prove to anyone. I’m very clear on my role within this Australian cricket team. I love playing with everyone in that change room, and love representing Australia. So if I get that opportunity again, I’ll keep doing that,” he said.

The 38-year-old also added that he is looking forward to coming up with a brilliant show in the upcoming games.

“My dream is to continue to play cricket for Australia. And no one’s got a given right to be selected. You’ve got to work your backside off to make sure that you put your hand up for selection and you earn that right. I haven’t really had the opportunity to get my teeth into this Test series yet, but that opportunity will hopefully come soon,” he added.

Notably, the right-arm spinner accounts for 562 wickets in 140 tests, and is just two wickets short of surpassing Glenn McGrath (563) to become Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format.

Moreover, Australia captain Pat Cummins is also highly likely to return in the third test after missing the first two games due to a back injury. Steve Smith captained Australia in Cummins’ absence in the first two games, executing a wonderful job to drive the team to victory by eight wickets in both encounters.

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