Mitchell Starc has thrown his support behind long-time teammate Nathan Lyon, expressing confidence that the veteran offspinner has the motivation and resilience to push through another rehabilitation period and return to Test cricket after suffering a series-ending hamstring injury in Adelaide.
Lyon was forced off the field on the final morning after injuring himself while diving at long leg. He later returned on crutches after scans, though he briefly ditched them to join Australia’s team song following their Ashes-clinching victory. It was a bittersweet scene for a player who has been a pillar of durability for more than a decade.
After playing 100 consecutive Tests between 2013 and 2023, Lyon has now endured two major muscle injuries in the space of two-and-a-half years. His previous setback came during the 2023 Ashes in England, when a torn calf at Lord’s prematurely ended his campaign. At 38, the latest injury inevitably raises questions, but Starc believes Lyon’s appetite for the challenge remains strong.
“Really unfortunate for him,” Starc said. “I’m sure it’s a tough one to take. He contributed a lot in this Test match, so first and foremost he should enjoy the moment. He’s helped us get this victory.”
Starc suggested Lyon’s previous rehab experience may help him navigate this latest hurdle. “He’s obviously had a layoff with his calf in England, so he’s more on board now with what rehab takes. I think he’s still got that hunger to give more to Australia. Hopefully it’s not a huge layoff, and hopefully he’s back sooner rather than later.”
Lyon had only just returned to the XI after missing the Brisbane Test, and made an immediate impact. He claimed five wickets in the match, including two in his first over to move past Glenn McGrath into second place on Australia’s all-time Test wicket list. Later, he broke England’s resistance by removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley in a decisive spell.
While Lyon’s immediate future is uncertain, he has previously spoken of playing through to at least the 2027 Ashes in England. Australia, meanwhile, won’t play another Test after Sydney until August next year against Bangladesh, before entering a demanding stretch of up to 21 Tests in 10 months.
Starc himself has no concerns about backing up for the rest of the current series. “Feeling good, ready to go,” he said. “I think my average speed was better than anyone’s, so good to go.”
Questions had been raised before the series about Australia’s age profile, with Cameron Green the only player under 30. However, Starc believes that experience has proven to be a strength rather than a weakness, particularly against an inexperienced England side.
“A lot was made about how old and experienced the group is,” Starc said. “Perhaps that’s played into our hands. We’ve been through good times and not-so-good times together, and it’s become a pretty level group. We don’t get too high or too low.”
He added that the calm, stable environment has benefited younger or less experienced players coming into the side, giving them freedom to express themselves while learning from senior heads.
Though Starc admits he isn’t one to dwell on milestones, he acknowledged the significance of retaining the Ashes and hinted at unfinished business.
“I’m not a great reflector, but hopefully I can reflect on this one a bit,” he said. “We want to win the next two, but winning the Ashes is always special.”
This is likely Starc’s final home Ashes, but he has already set his sights on 2027 in England, having stepped away from T20 internationals to prolong his red-ball career.
“I’m not thinking two years ahead just yet,” he said. “Let’s focus on Melbourne, then Sydney. But yeah, it would be nice to win an Ashes series in England.”
