New Delhi | Nov 19,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES |
Former Australian all-rounder Greg Matthews has made a bold prediction ahead of the 2025 Ashes, calling the upcoming series the defining moment of Nathan Lyon’s international career. Speaking on SEN 1170 Mornings, Matthews said the 37-year-old spinner—already Australia’s most successful off-spinner with 562 Test wickets—is poised to cement his legacy in the iconic contest against England.
Table of Contents
“This Tour Will Define His Legacy”
Matthews drew parallels between Lyon’s upcoming campaign and Andrew Flintoff’s legendary 2005 Ashes, which elevated the English all-rounder to cricketing folklore.
“Lyon, write this down – this tour will define his legacy,” Matthews declared. “Go back and think of Freddie in 2005. This will define Lyon the same way.”
He argued that while discussions are dominated by injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s real strength lies in its premier spinner—especially given England’s historical weakness against spin.
“England’s greatest weakness is spin and yet we want seaming decks,” he said. “When we’ve got a guy with 562 wickets who will hold our attack together, our strength lies in Lyon.”
England ‘Expecting Fast Wickets’
Matthews suggested that England’s squad selection reveals what kind of pitches they anticipate receiving.
“They’ve brought a fast bowling attack expecting reciprocal wickets that suit fast bowling,” he said, hinting at Australia’s mistake if they fail to produce spin-friendly surfaces.
Opinions on Squad Selection
Turning to team composition, Matthews expressed disappointment over the omission of young talent Sam Konstas, who impressed in the West Indies.
“No one scored a hundred in six innings in that series, and people bag him,” he said, calling the decision unfair.
He labelled Jake Weatherald as “an absolute must,” while raising concerns about veteran opener Usman Khawaja.
“Khawaja is under stupid pressure… you take out the 232, he averages 25 in his last 28 Tests. I don’t think he’ll last the series.”
He welcomed Marnus Labuschagne’s return, praising his five hundreds this season. Matthews also hailed Steve Smith as “the greatest batter in world cricket at the moment.”
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/delhi-blast-probe-ed-raids-al-falah-university/
All-Rounders, Bowlers, and Key Absences
On Australia’s all-round options, Matthews was clear:
“Cam Green and Beau Webster – pick one. It’s got to be Green.”
He backed Alex Carey as the certain wicketkeeper and praised emerging quick Brendan Doggett for his attitude and recent performances.
Matthews called Scott Boland a “no-brainer” for the leading wicket-taker role, and commended Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood for their form and fitness.
But his biggest concern remains the absence of captain Pat Cummins.
“The calm of Cummins is unmatched. To lose him is a massive loss.”
He emphasised that Cummins brings a level of composure “not even Mark Taylor” provided.
A Defining Ashes Awaits
With Lyon at the heart of Australia’s strategy in the ashes series and key players returning to form, Matthews believes the 2025 Ashes could reshape reputations—and possibly rewrite history.
For More Info Stay Tuned:https://skylinktimes.in
