Nathan Lyon will captain the New South Wales Men’s Team for the first time this week when the Blues open their 2025-26 Sheffield Shield campaign against Western Australia at the WACA Ground.
Nathan Lyon to captain Blues in Sheffield Shield opener
The off-spinner, who has claimed 176 wickets in 52 matches wearing the baggy blue, will become the state’s 122nd First-Class captain and 125th male captain across all formats.
Lyon will stand in for regular Blues skipper Jack Edwards, who remains on the Australia A Tour of India.
The appointment is the latest accolade in a decorated career for both the state and Australia. Lyon’s 562 Test wickets place him seventh all-time, one behind fellow NSW legend Glenn McGrath, while he is also the Blues’ most recent recipient of the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year award in 2020-21.
Nathan Lyon, stand-in NSW Sheffield Shield captain, said:
“Leading New South Wales is a huge honour. I’ve been fortunate to play under some great captains for NSW and Australia and am proud to carry that mantle in Jack’s absence.
“This trip to Perth is the perfect opportunity for our squad to hit the ground running this Shield season – we’re well prepared and ready to go.”
Greg Mail, Cricket NSW Chief Cricket Performance Officer, said:
“Nathan has been a tremendous performer at the highest level for over a decade and is someone our players gravitate towards whenever playing for NSW.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Nathan to draw on his experience and guide our side through the first Shield assignment of the season.”
The Blues’ squads for both the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup matches will be announced later this week.
Viewers can tune into the match on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au from 12:30pm AEST on Saturday, October 4 and 1:30pm AEDT from Sunday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 7 following the beginning of daylight savings.