Nathan Lyon quits iconic Australian role after 12 years, opens up on retirement

Nathan Lyon has stepped down as the Australian cricket team's songmaster after 12 years. The off-spinner remains focused doing well for the Test team, signalling his intentions to play in India and England in 2027.

In Short

• Nathan Lyon relinquished songmaster role after 12 years
• Lyon handed over the prestigious role to wicketkeeper Alex Carey
• The 37-year-old spinner said he would want to tour India in 2027

After 12 years in the role, spinner Nathan Lyon has relinquished the prestigious position of songmaster for the Australian men’s cricket team. Lyon made the decision following Australia’s victory over the West Indies in the first Test of a three-match series in Barbados on 27 June.

While, in the past, players typically gave up the honour of leading the team’s victory song, Under the Southern Cross, only in the twilight of their careers, Lyon has made it clear he has no immediate plans to retire. The legendary off-spinner said he chose to pass on the baton to reward one of the nicest chaps in the team — Alex Carey.

“It’s more about the team environment, making sure I get the opportunity to pass it on to someone I admire and absolutely love for the way he goes about things on and off the field. I just feel like Alex is the perfect candidate,” Lyon said, adding that his 12-year stint as songmaster remains one of the biggest highlights of his career.

“I’ve run my race with it, and it’s time for someone else to put their touch on it.

“I’ve loved having the privilege to lead the team song, but now I can sit back, hopefully enjoy a few wins, and just relax and take it all in.

“It definitely doesn’t mean I’m retiring anytime soon,” he added.

For Australian players, the songmaster is part of an iconic tradition, passed from one generation to the next. Michael Hussey handed over the baton to Lyon in 2013. Hussey had been given the role by Justin Langer, who in turn received it from Ricky Ponting. Before them, David Boon, Allan Border, and Rodney Marsh held the title. The role has traditionally gone to individuals who have made a significant impact in the dressing room and displayed strong leadership qualities.

LYON TARGETS INDIA TOUR, ASHES IN 2027

Lyon, who took three wickets in the win in Barbados, reiterated his intention to continue at least through the next World Test Championship cycle. The 37-year-old off-spinner said his dream of winning a Test series in India remains undimmed, and he has his sights set firmly on Australia’s next tour to the subcontinent.

Australia are scheduled to visit India for a five-Test series in early 2027, before heading to England for the Ashes. Lyon said he will take things one match at a time while working towards being in top shape and form for the home Ashes series later this year.

“I’ve always said I want to win away in India. I want to win away in England,” Lyon added.

“We’ve got that opportunity in a couple of years’ time, but we’ve also got to take it Test by Test and make sure we’re doing everything right here in the West Indies.

“Then we’ve got a massive summer at home with the Ashes. But another World Test Championship final is definitely on my radar.”

Lyon has taken 556 wickets in 138 Tests and remains Australia’s first-choice spinner in one of the most respected bowling attacks in world cricket.

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