Nathan Lyon is determined to return for the Bangladesh Test series and has his sights set on playing Australia’s packed Test schedule despite last season’s setbacks.

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Australia’s veteran offspinner Nathan Lyon has declared he is fully committed to playing every Test available to him as he nears a return from a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier this year.

The 38-year-old resumed bowling in Sydney on Monday and is confident he will be fit for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin on August 13, which marks the beginning of a demanding schedule of at least 20 Tests over the next 11 months.

Lyon targets full return

Lyon suffered a significant hamstring injury during the third Test against England in Adelaide and underwent surgery to reattach the muscle.

His rehabilitation has included an intensive fitness programme, highlighted by more than 700 kilometres of road biking, and he is expected to resume bowling to batters during training camps in Brisbane next month.

“I’m absolutely flying,” Lyon said, expressing confidence about his recovery and readiness to return to international cricket.

Message sent to selectors

Despite recent comments from selectors about managing his workload and future, Lyon made it clear he has no intention of slowing down.

He reiterated that while no player is guaranteed selection, his ambition remains unchanged.

Lyon stated that he is fully focused on playing every Test match he is available for and is putting in the hard work required to earn his place.

Retirement never crossed his mind

The veteran spinner, who currently has 567 Test wickets, revealed retirement has never been an option.

Watching New South Wales’ dramatic comeback in the recent State of Origin rugby league match reignited his competitive spirit.

He admitted that moments like those remind him why he still wants to compete at the highest level.

Lyon also believes he was bowling some of the best cricket of his career before suffering the injury.

Selection challenges remain

Even if fully fit, Lyon’s place in every Test is not guaranteed.

Last season he was omitted from multiple pink-ball matches, while Australia also went without a frontline spinner at both the MCG and SCG during the Ashes.

Upcoming tours, particularly in South Africa, may favour pace bowling, although Lyon is expected to remain a key figure for Australia’s spin-friendly assignments, especially in India.

Lyon calls for balanced pitches

Looking ahead to the season, Lyon hopes to see more balanced surfaces between bat and ball.

He believes cricket has shifted too far in favour of bowlers after previously being overly batting-friendly.

Rather than criticising curators, he called for healthier pitches that create fair contests and produce better overall cricket.

Key Numbers

• 567 Test wickets – Second-most for Australia behind Shane Warne
• 700+ km – Distance covered during injury rehabilitation
• 20 Tests in 11 months – Australia’s packed schedule until the end of next year’s Ashes
• Turns 39 in November – But remains eager to continue playing at the highest level

Australia’s longest-serving spinner has made one thing clear: he isn’t ready to walk away yet, and he intends to prove he still belongs at the heart of Australia’s Test plans.