Australia veteran spinnerNathan Lyon has highlighted the importance of spinners in the upcoming Ashes. With the Ashes 2025-26 only 50 days away, Lyon has spoken to ESPNcricinfo and in the conversation, he explained what impact spinners can have to deliver the outcome of the tournament. Lyon has appeared in seven Ashes editions in which he played 30 matches and picked up 110 wickets in 54 innings. In every Ashes installment held Down Under since 2013, Australia have stood tall against the English side and Lyon has been a silent contributor to the home side’s success.
This time, his role will be crucial again as Australiawill take on England, whose batters will look to play in 'bazball' style to extract victory on the Aussie soil after 15 years.
Weeks ahead of the iconic Test series, Lyon has said that spinners with right skill-set can make an impact in the outcome of Tests. "You're asking the spinner if they want to pick a spinner. For me, yeah, you're picking a spinner on every side. Variation changes the whole tempo of the game. I think spinners can play a very effective role out here if their skill sets suit," said Lyon.
Nathan Lyon's exemplary Test bowling numbers in 2025
In 2025, Nathan Lyon has played six Tests thus far, in which he grabbed 24 wickets in 11 innings. This year, Australia clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with their 3-1 triumph over India and Lyon took nine wickets in seven innings of five matches.
The first Test between Australia and England will be played at the Optus Stadium. Australia will have to be wary of England’s fast-bowling unit which includes names such as Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who have the potential to wreak havoc on the home side’s batters. Last year, when Australia squared off against India at this stadium, the hosts lost the game by 295 runs.
