Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, has passed on the cherished tradition of leading the team song to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The 36-year-old, who famously dismissed Kumar Sangakkara with his very first ball in Test cricket back in 2011, clarified that this symbolic handover doesn’t signal retirement—rather, it’s about fostering team spirit and preparing the next generation.
Lyon Steps Aside After 12 Years of Team Song Tradition
Leading the team song—“Under the Southern Cross I Stand”—is a unique Aussie cricket ritual, often passed from senior player to senior player. Lyon, who has held the honor for 12 years, said it has been one of the greatest privileges of his career.
“I’ve been very honoured to firstly, lead the song, but to have it for 12 years, it’s been one of the biggest highlights of my career,” Lyon told The Australian ahead of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.
He added that the decision wasn’t retirement-related, but a thoughtful gesture toward team culture. “It definitely doesn’t mean I’m retiring anytime soon,” he said. “It’s more about the team environment… I just feel like Alex is the perfect candidate.”
Carey, who temporarily took over song duties during the 2023 Ashes when Lyon was sidelined with a calf injury, was surprised by the gesture. Lyon presented the keeper-batsman with a handwritten note, explaining his reasons during the ongoing West Indies series.
“I went up to his room the second night [of the first Test],” Lyon shared. “He was pretty taken aback by it, but it was a pretty cool little moment.”
Lyon Still Hungry for Major Test Milestones
Despite the symbolic passing of the torch, Lyon is far from done. With over 500 Test wickets, he remains a central figure in Australia’s red-ball ambitions. He’s now eyeing two key career goals: a World Test Championship (WTC) final and winning Test series in India and England.
“I’ve always said I want to win away in India. I want to win away in England,” Lyon said. “We’ve got that opportunity in a couple years’ time… But another World Test Championship final would be on my cards for sure.”
Australia currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0 against the West Indies after a dominant 159-run win in the first game. The second Test begins on July 3 in Grenada, where Lyon and the Aussie side will look to seal the series and continue building momentum toward their long-term Test goals.
