Australia has suffered a major setback in the middle of the Ashes series. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon was injured during the second Test being played at Lord's. He can now be out of the entire series. Cricket Australia reported that Lyon did not take the field due to a hamstring strain. His injury is serious and he may take time to recover.
After the confirmation made by the Australian cricket team, it is believed that Lyon will not be able to play in the remaining three Tests. He was seen walking on crutches on the third day of the Lord's Test on Friday. He was injured trying to catch the second ball of the match. He took the wicket of Jack Crawley in the first innings. It is not yet known how long Lyon will be out.
Leon will be decided after the second test
Cricket Australia said in its statement, "After the Lord's Test is over, Lyon will require rehabilitation." A decision will be taken later about his playing in the remaining matches of the series." When Lyon reached Lord's on the third day of the match, the captain of the opposition team, Ben Stokes came to meet him. He asked Lyon about the injury and consoled him.
Todd Murphy can replace Leon
Lyon spent time on Friday morning talking to his spin bowling backup, Todd Murphy. Murphy did well on the tour of India this year. He is expected to play next week at Headingley. Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Kuhnman are the main contenders to replace Lyon in the team.
The big challenge in front of Pat Cummins
Winning this match without their most trusted bowler would be a huge achievement for Pat Cummins' side. The pitch looks more flat than in the first innings. In such a situation, it has to be seen what Pat Cummins breaks out. He got Travis Head bowled in the first innings. This part-time spinner also took two wickets. Apart from them, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschen can also do spin bowling on the team.
(pc amarujala)
