Nathan Lyon’s resilience and tenacity the driving forces behind deserving 100th Test achievement

There is an element of insecurity which comes with being an off-spin bowler in a fast man’s world and that’s why Nathan Lyon’s 100 Test milestone is a testament to his grit and resolve.

Australian cricket player Nathan Lyon leaves the Sofitel Brisbane Central to go and train at the GABBA. Wednesday January 13, 2021. Picture, John Gass

The first thing Nathan Lyon did to prepare for his 100th Test was to put a little something on ice … himself.

“I think out of 99 Test matches it was the first time I have ever done an ice bath after a game,’’ Lyon said of his recovery after a relentless yet fruitless quest to bowl Australia to victory against India in Sydney this week.

In some ways it is nothing less than appropriate that Lyon is turning up for his 100th Test with he and his team feeling they have something to prove because that, in his own mind, is where he has spent most of his outstanding decade-long career.

Teammates like Mitchell Starc rib him that his 99 Tests include at least 80 debuts because his journey has been a victory over the inevitable insecurity which comes with being an off-spin bowling in a fast man’s world.

Nathan Lyon cannot wait for his 100th Test match but says the journey is far from over.

Lyon’s 100 Test milestone will stand as one of the most exceptional and underrated achievements in Australian cricket history for all sorts of reasons, not the least being that no other offie has done even half as well.

Through his journey he has been dropped for Xavier Doherty, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell and the sight of him regularly asking keepers like Brad Haddin how he was going was an insight into his need for positive reinforcement.

It took Australia several years to convince themselves he was as good as he is but now there are no doubts … not even his own.

You could argue he is the most important player in the side because while everyone else has a logical replacement who is Australia’s next best off-spinner?

“When I first made my Test debut I thought “how amazing is this?’ and I was very grateful and humble to play one Test for Australia,’’ Lyon said.

Humble from the beginning, Australia’s greatest off-spinner pleads for a wicket in 2011.

He may have a little less hair, but there’s been little change in the way he appeals over the years.

“It’s been very exciting. I look at the 12 other guys who have played 100 Tests for Australia and they are legends in my eyes. I will pinch myself each and every day to see my name up beside those fellows.

“I am pretty excited about this one.’’

This series has been a tough one for Lyon who has six wickets at 57 against an Indian team who have played him well with slick footwork and a clear choice of shot selection.

Lyon may have been taxed by Sydney but Brisbane has always been kinder to him.

Much like Shane Warne, who is Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker at this venue, Lyon’s up-and-over style gets the most out of the deck’s bounce.

When asked what advice he would have given himself if could go back to the start of his career Lyon went back to that very place.

Lyon leaves the Sofitel in Brisbane for a training session at the Gabba ahead of the final Test.

“I would probably not look too far ahead and take each and every day with a smile on my face. Mike Hussey gave me that piece of advice before I bowled my first ball in Test cricket. Play with a smile on your face and you relax a little bit.

“There have been some highs and lows. You think of that Adelaide Test match after the passing of Phil Hughes in 2014. That is up there with the biggest highlights of my career. Edgbaston (in 2019) was an amazing high then you go to Leeds and you go to the other end of the ladder. Test cricket is an amazing ride.

“I know when I finish Test cricket I will sit here with a smile on my face and say I gave it my all. This is my 100th. I am far from being done in my eyes. I am hungrier than ever.’’

Originally published as Nathan Lyon’s resilience and tenacity the driving forces behind deserving 100th Test achievement