Australia suffered a major blow on the second day of the ongoing Lord’s Test. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon injured himself shortly after the Tea break. Lyon was attempting a catch but pulled his calf in the process. He left the field immediately didn’t come back.
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Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed the reporters after the day’s play and confirmed that Lyon’s injury is not looking good. Lyon has been a consistent figure in the Australian Playing XI for 10 years now. He has not been left out since 2013 and this was his 100th Test match on the trot.
Be it dusty pitches, green tops, or any other surface in the world, the ace spinner has proved valuable everywhere. He bowled 13 overs in the match which included breaking England’s opening stand by dismissing Zak Crawley in the 18th over.
Nathan Lyon Injury Update
Smith confirmed that Lyon will play no further part in the second Test. However, he was not sure about his availability for the remainder of the series as well. Smith has insisted that losing Lyon is going to be a huge loss for the side as he has been one of their biggest match-winners.
“It wasn’t ideal. We’re going to miss Nathan [Lyon] this game and could miss him for a little while.”
Readers must note that Lyon had taken eight wickets on a flat track at Edgbaston as well. The 35-year old player is the only specialist spinner in the Australian XI and they will just have to solely rely on their pacers. They cannot replace him as well because substitutes are only allowed in case of concussions.
Who Can Replace Nathan Lyon in Ashes 2023?
Australian selectors named the initial squad for the first two Tests only and changes are now imminent. It is certain that a spinner will be added to the team especially if Lyon is ruled out. Off-spinner Todd Murphy looks like a top candidate to replace Lyon and Smith laid emphasis on the same as well.
“Todd Murphy waiting in the wings who’s been bowling beautifully in the nets, and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity as well.”
Murphy made his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 in India. He played all four Tests picking 14 wickets at an average and strike rate of 25.21 and 58.93 respectively.
