Nathan Lyon rates the calf tear he suffered during last year's Ashes as the toughest moment of his career, but is confident his body and mind will be up for the challenge of facing England in 2027.
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Lyon feared his glittering career was over when he was injured while fielding during the second Test at Lord's.
The emotion of the moment was captured in the Prime Video documentary The Test - Season Three, airing from Friday.
During the most emotionally-charged part of the documentary, Lyon is captured bawling his eyes out while sitting in the change rooms.
Lyon sat down with his wife Emma a few weeks ago to specifically watch that part of the documentary.
"I've already ripped the bandaid off with watching that one," Lyon told AAP.
"There was a lot of emotion around it.
"The vision might give you a little insight into what it means to me to play cricket for Australia."
Lyon spent almost four months on the sidelines with the injury, but the 36-year-old has since made a seamless return.
Although Australia retained the Ashes last year, the hosts fought back from a 2-0 deficit to draw the series 2-2.
Lyon will be 39 by the time the 2027 series in England comes around, but he's determined to be there - and win it.
"It's a massive goal for me to work my backside off to ensure that my skill set is up to standard and I'm still getting better, and that I'm able to look after myself and make sure we're back here in England in 2027," Lyon said.
"I feel like I've been able to go through that (injury) journey, and mentally I feel extremely confident in my body now.
"I've done an incredible amount of work at home with the medical staff, and also my personal trainer Tom Carter as well.
"He's been an incredible sounding board for me."
Lyon said his wife Emma had been an immense support throughout his journey.
Her positive attitude was especially important when Lyon first suffered the injury.
"It was me sitting in my hotel room and Emma my wife just told me to snap out of it - it's happened, let's start the rehab journey to ensure we can get back bigger and better," Lyon said.
"A lot of praise needs to go to Em.
"She's everything. She's my best mate, she's the love of my life. Her support is second to none."
Lyon reckons Australia would have won the Ashes 4-0 if he hadn't been cut down by injury.
"I honestly believe I was the difference in the two teams, and my skill set," Lyon said.
"So yes, I do believe we would have won."
Lyon also opened up about his decision to go back out to bat while nursing his injury.
His teammates, including paceman Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins, didn't want Lyon to put himself at risk.
"In the moment I didn't understand the enormity of it," Lyon said.
"I just thought, 'well Mitch Starc went out to bat against NZ with a broken foot'.
"The Ashes series for me is the pinnacle for Australian cricketers.
"So if he's gone out to bat with a broken foot, I'm definitely going out to bat with a busted calf."
Australian Associated Press
