Having had such a fine fitness record that he was able to play 100 consecutive Tests from 2013 to 2023, Lyon has now suffered two significant muscle injuries in two-and-a-half years having had his previous Ashes in England ended when he ripped his calf at Lord’s.
Lyon, 38, has previously spoken of playing until at least the 2027 Ashes tour. After the Sydney Test which concludes this series, Australia do not play Tests again until next August against Bangladesh which begins a hectic period of up to 21 matches in 10 months.
“Really unfortunate for him,” Starc said. “I’m sure it’s a tough one to take. He contributed a lot in this Test match. So he should first and foremost enjoy the moment. He’s helped us get to this victory.
“He’s obviously had a layoff with his calf through England, so he’s sort of more on board with the fast bowlers in terms of what rehab takes. I think he’s still got that hunger to give more to Australia. So that’s all for him to think through. Hopefully it’s not a huge layoff. But, yeah, obviously disappointed for him. Hopefully he’s back sooner than later.”
Starc, for his part, had no doubts about being able to back up for the remainder of the series. “[Feeling] good, ready to go,” he said. “I think my average speed was better than anyone’s, so good to go.”
Lyon and Starc have been among a host of senior figures in this Australia side, with some questions raised pre-series about the age of the team given Cameron Green was the only player under 30. As it’s transpired, though, England’s inexperience, especially in Australia, has been a significant factor in their poor performances in a series that came with huge hype in the build-up.
“I think a lot was made about how old the group is and how experienced they are,” Starc said. “Perhaps that’s played into our hands. Having been through some good times and some not so good times over the course of our careers together, I think certainly in the last number of years it’s been a pretty level group. Things have never gotten too high or low.
“If we haven’t had a good day, it’s pretty easy to move on from and learn from. Absolutely a feature of our group and to guys that have come in, less experienced or younger, the freedom to express themselves as players but also learn from that experience has been beneficial in the way we’ve played our cricket.”
Starc admitted he is not great at allowing himself to soak up big moments but hoped he could this time, although for now the sights were firmly set on 5-0.
“I’m not a great reflector, so hopefully I can reflect on this one a bit,” he said. “With a lot being made outside the groups, whilst we don’t pay too much attention to it, once things get heard and whatnot, there will be a lot of pleasure with being in the situation where we are. We want to win the next two, but to have won the Ashes is always going to be very special.”
This will surely be Starc’s last home Ashes, but 2027 in England remains on the radar having given up T20Is in a bid to extend his red-ball career. “I’m not thinking two years down the track just yet,” he said. “Let’s just think about Melbourne and then on to Sydney. But, yeah, it’d certainly be nice to win an Ashes series in England.”
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo