John Dyson made his Sheffield Shield debut in the 1976/77 season. After a slow start to his career, the patient right-hander scored two centuries the following season to earn a call up for his first Test against India. He was a brilliant fielder preferring to field in the deep, where he took some outstanding catches, to close in fielding. He was a every inch the team player, unfortunately this was not enough for his State side as he struggled with his inconsistent form. Not forgotten by the National Selectors, he was chosen to tour England in 1980. Once again he struggled, scoring only 66 runs in 6 innings, he was dropped for the Centenary Test match. An injury allowed him to partner Graeme Wood the following home season against New Zealand (in all six matches) but again he never managed to hit the big score so many expected from him.

Surprisingly, he was given another chance on the 1981 tour of England. He made his maiden Test century at Leeds and went on to resurrect his career with more positive performances, including 127 against the West Indies (his highest score) in 1981/82, and during the Ashes series back in Australia.

He joined an unofficial tour to South Africa in 1985/6 and in the second Test at Newlands scored 198. He Narrowly missed his 2nd first class double century, and short of his highest of 241 scored at Adelaide in 1984.