Nathan Michael Lyon (born 20 November 1987) is an Australian international cricketer who plays as an off-spin bowler and lower-order right-handed batsman. He made his Test debut in 2011 and represents New South Wales in domestic cricket. Lyon is widely regarded as the most successful Australian off-spin bowler in the history of Test cricket.
| Full name | Nathan Michael Lyon |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 20 November 1987 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Role | Off-spin bowler, right-handed lower-order batsman |
| Test debut | 2011 |
| Domestic team | New South Wales |
| 100th Test | January 2021, against India |
Lyon is a specialist off-spinner who has built his Test career around accuracy, drift and consistent over-the-wicket bowling on a wide variety of pitches. He bats right-handed in the lower order for both his state side and the national team.
Lyon made his Test debut for Australia in 2011. Over the following years, he established himself as the country's leading specialist spin option across home and overseas conditions.
In 2015, Lyon surpassed Hugh Trumble's tally of 141 Test wickets to become the highest wicket-taker among Australian off-spin bowlers. He has continued to extend this record over subsequent series.
In January 2021, during Australia's home Test series against India, Lyon played in his 100th Test match.
As of 2025, Lyon is Australia's second-highest Test wicket-taker of all time. He also ranks sixth among all international players in Test cricket with more than 500 wickets.
Lyon's longevity and consistency have made him a central figure in Australia's bowling attack for over a decade. By eclipsing Hugh Trumble's long-standing mark and joining the small group of bowlers with 500 or more Test wickets, he has redefined the role of the off-spinner in modern Australian cricket, a side traditionally dominated by fast bowling.
Q6969217