That was what a visit to Goulburn taught Australia’s leading spin craftsman Nathan Lyon.

The off-spinner was among a brigade of Cricket NSW players and officials to conduct training clinics in Yass, Young and Goulburn last week.

While on the three-day road trip, the Test cricketer caught up with mum and dad at his home town of Young and ran scores of school students through their paces at Goulburn and neighbouring Yass.

The troupe on Friday spent time at Wollondilly and Goulburn West Primary Schools, dropped by Mulwaree High and paid promotional visits to McDonald’s and Country Motors.

There’s no shortage of talent and passion among cricket’s next generation, Lyon says.

“There’s definitely some talent amongst the young kids out there,” he said mid-session at Wollondilly Primary School on a sunny Friday afternoon.

“It’s been great to come out to Yass and Goulburn, and spread the word about the cricket and share some experiences.

“It was good to get home and spend some time with mum and dad, I haven’t seen them a long time. I enjoyed that time out there with them, and going back to my old school too.”

Lyon, a man with 33 Test matches and 112 wickets to his credit, was joined by up-and-coming fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis and NSW Breakers all-rounder Naomi Stalenberg.

They amassed nearly 800km on the road as they ventured from Sydney to Young, then onto Yass and back home via Goulburn.

Last week’s road trip around the Southwest Slopes and Southern Tablelands doesn’t compare to the next venture on Nathan Lyon’s agenda. 

The Australian cricket team this week departs for the United Arab Emirates where they’ll face stiff competition in the form of Pakistan.

Not only will the Australians face a stern test from the Pakistani quicks, they’re in for an ambush courtesy of the weather. 

The mercury has been tipping 35 degrees Celsius by 9am of late in the Emirates. Maximum temperatures recorded are reaching the 40 degree mark.

“It’s going to be warm,” Lyon joked. 

“It’s going to be a good challenge. The Australian cricket team enjoys a good challenge. We’re looking forward to getting over there and playing Pakistan.”