Credit: ICC
Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon relinquished the distinguished role of song-master following his team’s sensational 159-run win against the West Indies in the first Test, played in Barbados. The job holds its own importance in Australia’s Test team. Back in the 1970s, when the tradition started in Australia’s red-ball side, Rodney Marsh became the song-master. After him, legends such as David Boon, Allan Border, and Ian Healy held the responsibility. After both legendary names, eminent figures such as Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Michael Hussey also got the mantle. Lyon was handed the responsibility by Hussey, who served his national Test side from 2005 to 2013.
Lyon held this honour for 12 years from 2013 to 2025. During this period, he led 67 renditions in 119 Tests. Following the Aussie side’s magnificent victory against the Windies teamin the first Test, the spin wizard passed the baton to his teammate Alex Carey. Lyon was the ninth player to get the crucial responsibility and he held it for the longest period.
Nathan Lyon’s most-remembered renditions
Among Nathan Lyon’s 67 renditions, the most remembered is one which he performed after Australia’s famous 5-0 Ashes victory against England at home in 2013-14 and the triumph against India at the Adelaide Oval in December 2014 following Phil Hughes’ unfortunate death.
Discussing Lyon’s performance in the first Test against the Caribbean side in Barbados, he looked disciplined with the ball and took three wickets in the match. After winning the opening game by a convincing margin, the Aussies will look to dominate West Indies in the second Test, set to be played in Grenada from July 3 to 7. Australia’s latest triumph has placed them on the top of the World Test Championship 2025-27 points tally. West Indies, who faced a solid hammering, are in the sixth spot in the standings.
