Hampshire pull plug on deal to bring in Nathan Lyon this season
Nathan Lyon will not feature for Hampshire this year after a mutual decision was made to cancel the Australia off-spinner’s contract.
Lyon would have added considerable pedigree to Hampshire’s slow bowling stocks but the coronavirus pandemic has delayed the start of the domestic season to at least May 28.
Hampshire and Lyon have therefore decided to pull the plug on a deal which would have seen the 32-year-old play for the south coast club for a “significant” portion of the Specsavers County Championship campaign.
Hampshire Cricket can announce it has taken the decision to cancel the contract of overseas player, Nathan Lyon.
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) April 10, 2020
Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, has opened the door on a possible 2021 return for Lyon, who sits third on his country’s all-time wicket-taker list in Test cricket with 390 scalps in 96 matches.
“These are obviously very uncertain and challenging times, and it’s clear the issues cricket currently faces will contribute to the way in which counties are able to operate and prepare for this season,” White told Hampshire’s official website.
“As a result of this and following conversations with Nathan and his management, it was mutually agreed that he would no longer join us this season.
“I would like to thank Nathan and his representatives for their complete understanding and agreement and we hope to welcome him to the club next season.”
Latest
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
NewsJack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
NewsJoe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
NewsEngland captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.
-
NewsCaptain Joe Root completes fine double century as England build formidable lead
Root became only the fifth England player to score a Test double hundred in Asia.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
NewsNine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
NewsLabuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
NewsJoe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
NewsJoe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.