Australia spinner Nathan Lyon ruled out of Ashes due to calf injury | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australian spin stalwart Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the remaining Ashes series due to a right calf injury. The 36-year-old off-spinner, who was celebrating his 100th consecutive Test for Australia, sustained a significant calf tear while fielding on the second day of the second Test, which Australia won by 43 runs to secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Lyon immediately left the ground and did not participate in bowling or fielding activities following the injury. However, he bravely limped onto the pitch to contribute 15 crucial runs in Australia’s second innings.
In Lyon’s absence, fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy is expected to be his replacement in the third Test, as Cricket Australia has not announced any additional replacements. Murphy, a 22-year-old who has played only 12 first-class games, showcased his talent during his maiden Test tour in India earlier this year. He impressed with 14 wickets at an average of 25.21 across four Tests, including a remarkable debut performance in Nagpur, where he claimed figures of 7 for 124. Notably, Murphy dismissed the prized scalp of Virat Kohli four times in that series.

However, it will be the first time Murphy takes on the responsibility of being the sole spinner in a Test match.
“His (Murphy) stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin,” Lyon was quoted as saying by ‘cricket.com.au’.
“It will be a different challenge with the England batters. If they do come at him, it provides Todd with a decent challenge. But a chance to leave his footmarks here in England. It is a big Ashes series, he is excited by the opportunity,” he added.
While Lyon is not sure if he will be returning to Australia for rehab or staying back in England, the veteran spinner said he will be available to guide Murphy.
“I sat with Todd in the last session there (on day four) and spoke about spin bowling as we do. I have a lot of confidence in Todd. He is a great kid. He is willing to learn along the way.
“I have told him my phone is always on, it doesn’t matter if I am sitting in the changeroom with him or I am sitting at home watching it in bed,” Lyon said.
The third Ashes Test, scheduled to begin Thursday at Headingley, will be the first Test Lyon will miss since Lord’s in 2013.
“I’ve been extremely lucky with injuries. I’ve been around since August 2011 and we’ve had 126 Test matches and I’ve played 122 of them,” Lyon said.
“This is just a little speed bump in the road. This isn’t career-defining. I am hungrier than ever to get back out there.”
Reserve batter Matthew Renshaw, who fielded for Lyon on the final day of the Lord’s Test, has been released from the squad but will remain in England and be available should injury strike the touring party again.
(With inputs from PTI)