Nathan Lyon has chosen the Australian cricket team’s victory song over its captaincy, valuing his role in leading the iconic tune.
Despite being the most experienced player in the Ashes squad, Lyon told media today that he would not like to be considered for either role of captain or vice-captain, maintaining his title of the side’s spiritual leader.
“If I had put my hand up for the captaincy it would mean I’d have to hand over the team song and to be honest, I’d rather lead the team song,” he said.
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Giving his view on Cricket Australia’s inevitable leadership announcement, Lyon threw his support behind favourites Pat Cummins and Steve Smith.
“They’re probably the two best candidates in my eyes,” he said.
“I’ve got no dramas with both of them putting their hand up for captaincy.
“I think both of them are extremely well respected within Australian cricket and within world cricket as well.
“I think it’s going to be really beneficial that you’ve got a bowler’s mindset and also a batter’s mindset. Rather than having two batters’ mindsets you have both mindsets that can come together to come up with some really good guidance.”
Sharing a special bond with fast bowler Cummins after playing plenty of cricket together through the New South Wales (NSW) system, Lyon was more than happy for him to take his leadership to the next level.
“Playing under Pat at NSW cricket in a one-day set up last year, I think he did a really good job,” he said.
“I know it’s going to be a different kettle of fish, but he’s got a lot of senior players around him to support him if he gets the nod.”
Lyon added that there would be no concerns about field settings or tactics to dismiss batsmen when it was his turn to bowl should a fast bowler like Cummins end up with the captaincy.
“No doubt there will be conversations about spin bowling, but I know talking to Pat here at training that he’s pretty keen to get me the ball as soon as I can,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing under Pat if he does get the nod. I think he’ll do a tremendous job.”
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