Ashes 2023: Nathan Lyon ruled out of remainder of Lord's Test with 'significant calf strain'

Australia star spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the remainder of the second Ashes Test with a 'significant calf strain'. The medical staff on Thursday, June 29 assessed the situation and did initial scans before it was revealed that he won’t be able to continue in the contest. The experienced spinner arrived at Lord’s on Day 3 with crutches and leaves the visitors one bowler short for the rest of the contest. It is also likely that he could be ruled out of the entire Ashes.

What happened with Lyon?

Lyon, while fielding on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test, injured his right calf as he attempted an awkward fielding movement in the 37th over of England’s first innings. The 35-year-old was seen hobbling towards the dressing room immediately with the medical team. Since the situation is not concussion-related, Australia can’t bring a substitute to replace him which leaves them a bowler as well as a batter short. He played a crucial role on Day 5 of the Edgbaston Test where the Aussies won by two wickets to take a 1-0 lead.

Lyon might even miss the rest of the Ashes

The injury news could have long-lasting consequences as he could miss the rest of the Ashes. Australia will have to do without him for the rest of theTest match, while they might also need tocall a replacement for Lyon in case he is definitely ruled out of the entire series. The Test match was also his 100th consecutive for the Aussies since his debut in 2013. The management will now have to search for other options as they try to fill in the void left by Lyon.

As things stand, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Swepson, and Matthew Kuhnemann are the likely options to replace the veteran star that showed his quality in India. Murphy scalped seven wickets for the Aussies in February when he made his debut in the Nagpur Test and played in all matches. In four Test matches for the nation, he has managed to pick 14 wickets and is the ideal choice to make the first team.

Australia on front foot

On Day 3 of the Lord’s Test, it was not the best possible start for the hosts as they lost six wickets for 46 runs. Skipper Ben Stokes was dismissed on the first ball of the day which followed a titanic collapse for the hosts. Australia wrapped the England tail which saw them get bowled out for 325 runs. Australia earned a 91-run lead in the first innings and now have the upper hand in the contest on Day 3.

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