Nathan Lyon ruled out of remainder of Ashes 2023, replacement announced

Nathan Lyon played 100 consecutive test for Australia from 2013 Ashes to 2023 Ashes.

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon is ruled out of the Ashes 2023 due to a severe Calf strain. Lyon could only bowl 13 overs for Australia in the second Ashes test at The Lord’s. With Lyon injured, Off-spinner Todd Murphy is all set to make his Ashes debut. Murphy did well against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Lyon went through multiple scans after he was injured on Day 3, Lyon met with Australia’s medical staff on Sunday, where they confirmed that Lyon’s Ashes 2023 was over. Lord’s test was Nathan Lyon’s 100th consecutive test since 2013. Lyon will be missing out on the remaining three games in England. 

Todd Murphy made his test debut against India at Nagpur where he picked up 7 wickets in the game. Murphy will be taking on the responsibilities of the Australian spin attack at Headingley in Leeds from 6th July. Australia are currently leading 2-0 in the 5-match test series. No additional spinner has been added to the squad. Nathan Lyon had not missed a test due to injury in his 122-test-long career. Lyon has been a crucial figure in Australia’s spin attack. Lyon missed out on only 2 tests in his career as he was dropped from the Australian eleven in the first two of the Ashes 2013. 

Australia defeated England by 43 runs in the 2nd test and have gained a 2-0 lead in 5-match test series. Australia have also added Jimmy Peirson to the 16-member squad as a cover for Josh Inglish. Mitchell Swepson is currently part of the Glamorgan County and taking part in the County Championship, if needed he will be called in to replace Nathan Lyon in the squad, but as of now Todd Murphy looks like a certain choice for the Australia in 3rd Ashes test. 

Australia squad for 3rd Ashes 2023 test:

Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (Wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Steve Smith (Vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner