The Ashes 2023: Nathan Lyon in doubt for rest of series with ‘significant calf strain’
The Ashes 2023: A “significant” calf strain has been identified as the source of Nathan Lyon injury, which occurred on day two of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
Cole Hitchcock, the media manager for Australia, provided an update on Lyon’s condition on Friday, stating that the off-spinner would need “a period of rehabilitation after this match is concluded,” but that no decision would be made regarding his availability for the rest of the series until the Test was over.
Reacting to the news on commentary, Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton said: “That doesn’t sound hopeful at all.
“Often, when you get an update around injuries, they give a grade to the tear. That hasn’t come with this, but it does say ‘significant’ calf strain – so it’s clearly not just a little tear.
“Bad news for Nathan Lyon. Bad news for Australia.”
The Ashes 2023: ‘Significant strain’ for Nathan Lyon, series in doubt
After getting scans on the injury on Thursday night and receiving a second evaluation on Friday, Lyon arrived at Lord’s on day three on crutches. If necessary, he can still participate in the Test, probably with the bat.
Lyon had assistance getting off the pitch during Thursday’s evening session from a member of the support team. A painful defeat for Australia’s off-spinner, who, by participating at Lord’s, became the first bowler of his or her specialty to play 100 straight Test matches.
Australia batter Steve Smith said ahead of play: “Nath’s not doing too well, so I think we’ll struggle to see him out there.
“Hopefully I don’t need to do a heap of bowling. [Off-spinner] Travis Head came out pretty well the other end, so we’ll see how we go.”
Sir Andrew Strauss said of Lyon’s injury: “If you look at the teams side by side, he is the major difference. He gives Australia balance and is a threat no matter what the conditions. It would be a massive loss.”
If Lyon’s injury prevents him from playing for a while, Australia may turn to Todd Murphy for the third Test at Headingley next week and subsequent games.
Murphy, an off-spinner, is yet to play in an Ashes Test match, but he has played four times in India this year, taking 14 wickets at an average of 25.21, with a best of 7-124 on his debut in Nagpur.
Smith said: “Todd has been bowling beautifully in nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity. I would be confident if he came in that he would do a terrific job for us.”
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