Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon had been ruled out of the remaining matches of the Ashes Test series related to a major calf strain in his right leg, dealing a severe blow to the Australian cricket team.
On the second day of the second Test, the 36-year-old was hurt while fielding. Australia went on to win the match by 43 runs, taking a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.
Nathan Lyon, who was playing part in his 100th consecutive Test for Australia, showed incredible tenacity by limping onto the pitch to bat during that Aussie second innings, scoring an important 15 runs.
Though, he was unable to continue bowling or fielding due to his injuries. While Lyon’s replacement has not yet been named by Cricket Australia, it is believed that 22-year-old off-spinner Todd Murphy would take over for the upcoming third Test.
Todd Murphy likely to take over Lyon for the third Ashes Test
Murphy had an impressive debut on Australia’s our of India earlier this year despite having only played 12 first-class games. Over a period of four Test matches, he took 14 wickets, including an impressive seven-wicket haul in Nagpur.
When discussing Murphy as his replacement, Nathan Lyon expressed “Murphy’s stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably one of the toughest place to bowl spin,”
“It will be a unique challenge with the England batters. If they do come at him, it provides Murphy with a tough challenge. But a chance to leave his impact here in England. It is a big Ashes series, he is excited by the opportunity,” he stated.
Lyon has offered Murphy his assistance and guidance, even though it’s uncertain whether he’ll stay in England or return to Australia for treatment. The young spinner has already spoken with Lyon, who has given him advice and assured him that he is always there for help.
Lyon is prepared to make an excellent comeback and is confident about his future as he departs the Ashes. Lyon understands his desire to get back to the field and sees his injury as just another obstacle in his career.
The Australian team will need to regroup as the third Ashes Test draws near and make the necessary changes to make up for Lyon’s absence.
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