Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon signed with English county club Hampshire on Wednesday to play red-ball cricket for them in the 2020 season.
Never left the spectators unimpressed with his art of spinning the ball and trapping the world-class batsmen, Lyon has played 91 Tests since making his debut against Sri Lanka in 2011, a game in which he claimed the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara in his first-ever Test delivery.
“I very much look forward to playing with Hampshire in next year’s county championship. It is a fabulous opportunity to be involved with a leading county who have had a long and successful relationship with Australian cricketers,” Lyon was quoted as saying on the official website of Cricket Australia.
“I love playing cricket in England and no doubt will enjoy the 2020 summer with the Hampshire players, coaches, members and supporters,” he added.
Giles White, Director of Hampshire Cricket, said: “Nathan is a really high-class spinner and we identified him in the summer as someone who would be a great addition to our Championship side.”
“He has a real appetite for county cricket and is keen to be a part of what we’re trying to do here, so we’re delighted to secure his signature and we can’t wait to have him on board next summer,” he added.
The 31-year-old talisman has claimed 363 Test wickets so far and is just the sixth Australian to take 300 scalps — the nation’s second most successful spinner of all-time. He is Australia’s third-highest Test wicket-taker, sitting behind Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.