Australian cricket is entering a new era that needs mentally tough cricketers. That's just what they have in Nathan Lyon.
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The former ACT Comet has earned himself the nickname of "The GOAT" on account of his 306 Test wickets, which make the unassuming country product Australia's greatest off-spinner.
He is on the cusp of making a dream come true and could climb to fourth on Australia's leading wicket takers list this summer, but Lyon's mentality has always been team-first.
Look no further than the day he put the Australian team on his back in the wake of Phillip Hughes' shock death.
Lyon opened up on having to stand up as a leader to usher in Australian cricket's new era, the prospect of playing a Test match on the deck he used to maintain and his aspirations ahead of a bumper summer.
A NEW ERA
No Steve Smith, no David Warner. A new coach, and a captain that was on his last legs heading into last summer. The Australian cricket team is meeting the fear of the unknown head-on.
Lyon knows he is going to have a big say in the fate of Australia's on-field performances and he is under no illusions as to how tough it will be.
But instead of shirking the challenge, Lyon is ready to stand up and grasp what he believes is "a great opportunity" to usher in a new wave of talent during an "exciting time for Australian cricket".
"It’s a new chapter, a new era under Justin Langer and Tim Paine. I think it is going to be a very exciting time for Australian cricket," Lyon said.
"There is a lot of opportunity for young players and young batters especially to really stand up and make heroes of themselves.
"It’s going to be an exciting time for Australian cricket, I know I am very excited about it and being one of the leaders of the side, especially the most experienced one I’ve got a big role to play."
THE FIRST TEST
Australian victories in Asia are as rare as hen's teeth, and the national team's first full Test series since the ball tampering saga has already been dealt a cruel blow.
Star fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been ruled out of the series against Pakistan in Dubai beginning in October.
Back injuries to two of Australia's Big Three quicks leaves Tim Paine's new-look team with massive holes with bat and ball.
It means Lyon and Mitchell Starc - the other half of the quartet the former dubs "the best bowling attack in the world" - will be left to shoulder the load.
"We’re still going to have a good side going over there, the likes of Mitchell Starc and myself are going to have to lead the way with the ball," Lyon said.
"It’s a good challenge for us, Pakistan play some decent cricket over there in Dubai. It’s going to be a different challenge and a lot warmer than here in Canberra."
CANBERRA HOMECOMING
Backyard cricket battles between Lyon and brother Brendan were the norm growing up in Young. The youngest of the two, Nathan learned how to catch balls pretty quickly - he would wear them if he didn't.
From there Lyon spun his way to Canberra, finding a gig as an apprentice groundsman at Manuka Oval. Soon enough he was drafted to Adelaide and was pulled off the roller because the two Ashes sides needed a net bowler almost six years ago.
On February 1, his cricket life will come full circle when Australia hosts Sri Lanka in the first Test played at Manuka Oval.
"It’s going to be exciting, for the first ever Test match here in Canberra. Hopefully being a part of that is going to be a dream come true," Lyon said.
"Working out here I always dreamt of playing cricket for Australia but to play a Test match here for your country in front of a lot of family and friends will be very special.
"I always dreamt of it. I’ve been lucky to play an ODI out here, but to play a Test match, that is the pinnacle for me, so it will be good fun.
"I’ve already had a lot of text messages asking for tickets."
WORLD BEATER
Lyon has been pigeon-holed as a long format specialist but the 30-year-old tweaker has reaffirmed his desire to become Australia's number one spinner across all three formats.
Test cricket is the pinnacle in Lyon's eyes, but he is "100 per cent" committed to forging a legacy in canary yellow - sorry, that's Australian gold my friend and don't you forget it.
"Especially with the World Cup around the corner, you want to put your hand up for selection and make sure you’re a part of that World Cup squad," Lyon said.
"It’s obviously a dream to be a part of that and one of my girls. I’ve just got to keep performing well and keep taking my opportunities."
