Lyon to step up as leader post-Johnson

Two-and-a-half years ago, Nathan Lyon was dropped from Australia's Test side.

Now Lyon is not only the country's most productive offspinner ever but a spiritual leader of Steve Smith's side.

Smith and David Warner may hold the official leadership posts but Lyon is the most experienced player entrenched in the side following Mitchell Johnson's retirement.

"You don't need a label to be a leader," Lyon said.

"Big brother (Johnson) is gone so I guess I better step up a little bit more.

"To lose him has been pretty big.

"All the old boys (are) officially gone. It's a big hole but it gives other boys and myself the opportunity to stand up and lead."

Of the current squad only Peter Siddle, who has played two Tests over the past year, has featured in more Tests than Lyon.

The 28-year-old, axed for teen sensation Ashton Agar during the 2013 Ashes, feels comfortable providing to advice any of the new faces in the Test XI.

"I can only keep working hard and leading from the front on and off the field ... keep trying to help out the young players if they need any assistance," he said.

Lyon didn't try to downplay the loss of Johnson is in this regard.

The left-armer had come out of his shell since being recalled to the Test side for the 2013-14 Ashes and provided plenty of support for many teammates.

"He's a great player on the field but he's a better bloke off it," Lyon said.

"The way he supported the young fast bowlers and myself as we've come into the group was exceptional.

"He's a true legend of our team and of Australian cricket."

Siddle, expected to be recalled for the day-night Test that starts on Friday, also feels ready to fill the void left by Johnson.

"All those things you learn off the experienced guys and the knowledge they have over years of cricket - you lose a lot of that," Siddle said.

"That type of experience around the group is going to be hard to pick up on, but I think I can play a part in that."