No Lyon Down – An Interview with Nathan Lyon

After a long search for a front-line spinner post-Shane Warne, Nathan Lyon has established himself as one of Australia’s most successful spinners with 162 Test wickets since his debut in 2011. Now a father of daughters, Harper (2) and Milla (1) and with his wife, Mel, Nathan is now balancing the life of a professional sports career that takes him to all parts of the world with parenthood.

INT – So tell us, How did you get into Cricket, where did it all start?

NATHAN – As a young child, I played a lot of cricket in the backyard at home in Young NSW with my brother Brendan. They were always massive backyard Test Matches emulating our cricket heroes. I joined the local junior cricket association in Young.

INT – We know you have 2 children, Milla and Harper, what do you love most about being a Dad?

NATHAN – Every parent will know how great it is having children. I just love being a dad and that great cuddle you get when you come home. I have loved watching Milla and Harper growing up and now being able to have conversations with them. I am a bit of a softie around the girls actually.

INT – Are you often away from home and your family?

NATHAN – I am lucky enough to be able to represent my country in cricket. It does mean that we travel alot however and I can spend up to half the year away from home.

INT – That must be hard, How do you juggle your career and family life?

NATHAN – We are in the fortunate position to often be able to have our families with us when we are on tour. At other times, I try to ensure I spend as much down time at home as possible. It is important to get a good balance. I love spending time with the family. It’s also important to have great support around you from family and friends.

INT – Does it affect your family life being in the spotlight?

NATHAN – It doesn’t really. To Milla and Harper I am simply dad which is great. They put things into perspective. At the end of the day, cricket is just a game. No matter what day you have had on the field of play, it’s always nice to see the girls.

INT – Tell us the funniest/weirdest white lie your parents told you? 

NATHAN – That if you ate your crusts your hair will go curly. I am still waiting!!

INT – And the funniest white lie you tell your kids?

NATHAN – That I am the Captain of the Australian Cricket Team!

INT – (laughs) Do you have a phrase your parents said to you, that you find yourself saying to Milla and Harper now?

NATHAN – It’s funny. Now, as a parent, you quickly work out why your parents were saying all those positive things to you at the time. Amongst many “Eat your vegetables and look after your mother”.

INT – Do you want your kids to follow in your footsteps?

NATHAN – I don’t really mind what Milla and Harper do as long as they are healthy, happy and content. I am not sure there has been a father/daughter test cricketer combination in the past, so that would be novel I guess.

INT – When you do finally get some downtime, what do you enjoy doing most?

NATHAN – After playing, touring and training schedules there isn’t a lot of down time. When there is, it is spent around the home and with the family. There are always chores to be done. I do enjoy spending time in the garden as well.

INT – Do you have any sports, besides cricket of course, that you enjoy watching?

NATHAN – I enjoy most sports but primarily Rugby League and AFL. As the dressing room is full of cricketers from all over Australia there is wide ranging banter about everyone’s favoured teams across all the codes. It does provide for some entertaining conversations in the dressing room. You desperately hope your side is going ok or else it can be a long season!

INT – What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?

NATHAN – Nothing really weird I guess. The fans are always great and I love their support. One thing I am finding is the days of the autograph are slowly being replaced by the selfie! We spend a lot of time in front of camera phones these days!

INT – If you were to retire tomorrow, what would you do?

NATHAN – Far too early to be talking about retirement!  One day, when that happens, I will look forward to spending time with the family and friends and re engaging with my horticultural studies and profession in some way.

INT – Do you have a hero you look up to?

NATHAN – As a child growing up my heroes were Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting. It was quite surreal when I was selected to play for Australia and to be playing with Ricky. It was like a dream. I watched him on TV for years, so to be suddenly playing Test cricket with him was unbelievable.

Now as a parent I have a further respect for mothers, the family unit and support of friends. It takes many hands to raise a child and I am so lucky to have everyone’s support.

INT – What would be your biggest accomplishment in your life so far?

NATHAN – Obviously the birth of Milla and Harper. Nothing can explain that feeling when you see the birth of your children and holding them for the first time. From a sport perspective, my Australian Test match debut will always be front of mind. Such an honour to be presented with the Baggy Green Cap.