Spinner Nathan Lyon of Australia believes that it is his duty to “promote” spin bowling in his nation, continuing a tradition that was brought back to life in the Down Under by the great Shane Warne.

With plans to play far into his forties and maybe participate in the 2027 Ashes series in England, the 36-year-old is adamant about carrying on. When his career ends, Lyon said he hasn’t really thought about the legacy he will leave for future spinners or who may take his place in the Test squad.

Following the untimely passing of Warne in 2022, Lyon feels compelled to preserve the arts in the nation. With 530 wickets in 129 matches, he is Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Glenn McGrath needs 33 wickets more than Lyon to go up to second place after Warne’s incredible 708 wicket total.

There is no hiding behind it; I do consider it my duty to raise the flag for the spinners throughout the nation. “I feel like there’s a big role for me to make sure that spin stays cool, especially with Warnie’s passing,” Lyon was cited by ESPNcricinfo.

“I am not cool in any way, but if I can try and promote spin bowling and promote how great it is to be a spin bowler … it’s pretty cool.”

Australia’s recent success has been greatly attributed to Lyon’s endurance. Prior to missing the Ashes series of last year due to a calf injury, Lyon had played 100 straight Tests. He gave his father credit for helping him understand that it was his duty to continue spin bowling after Warne’s passing.

“Just having that conversation and understanding we’re role models in so many different ways to so many different people around the world,” he said. “And if we can do our little bit to hopefully make people better cricketers or people, we’re doing our job.”

Todd Murphy of Victoria will take on Lyon in the Sheffield Shield, while Matthew Kuhnemann is a possible partner for Lyon in Sri Lanka. After playing with legspinner Tanveer Sangha for NSW last week and seeing how Sangha outwitted Travis Head, Lyon has also voiced his respect for Sangha.

“He has nothing but incredible things in store for Australia and New South Wales in the future. I really like his approach; he is a class-leader who exudes confidence in his abilities. He is going to be the game’s biggest star. He says, “I try to help him get better, and he helps me get better too.”

Lyon said that he will play against Queensland in Sydney before the demanding five-test home series against India that begins in Perth on November 22. Lyon had taken eight wickets in the first Shield match.