Lyon’s Lancs stint is cut short by Australia
Nathan Lyon will no longer be available for Lancashire's full 2024 campaign after Cricket Australia requested a reduction in his workload.
The 35-year-old, who is due to arrive at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of next week's season opener against Surrey, will only be in contention to play in seven of the first nine rounds of the County Championship.
Lyon has taken 530 Test wickets - the seventh highest tally of all time - in 129 Tests since his debut in 2011.
He is set to feature in Australia's five-match series at home to India, which starts in November.
His reduced availability could benefit England spinner Tom Hartley, while Lancashire are assessing options regarding an extra overseas players with Lyon now unavailable for their white-ball campaigns.
Lancashire director of cricket performance Mark Chilton said: "Naturally, we are disappointed that Nathan will no longer be joining us for the full 2024 season.
"However, we are still incredibly excited to be able to welcome him for seven matches in the County Championship.
"After speaking with Nathan since this decision was taken, I know that he is still really excited about joining up with us and remains very committed, supporting the group and helping us to achieve our goals this summer.
"With Nathan no longer being available for our whiteball campaigns this summer, we are now assessing our options regarding overseas players.”
Lancashire’s second game of the Championship season is a trip to Hampshire’s Utilita Bowl, starting on April 12.
Lyon was due to play for Hampshire in 2020 before the pandemic struck.