Australian off spinner Nathan Lyon has been diagnosed with a “significant calf strain”, putting his involvement in the rest of the Ashes series in doubt.
Key points:
- Cricket Australia said Lyon will require “a period of rehabilitation” after the current Test
- There are only three days between the scheduled end of the Lord’s Test and the first day at Headingley
- Lyon is four wickets away from becoming the eighth bowler to take 500 at Test level
Lyon pulled up lame as he fielded a ball late on day two of the second Test at Lord’s and appeared unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped from the field by Australian staff.
On the third morning of the Test, Cricket Australia provided an update on the condition of Lyon, who became the first bowler to play 100 consecutive Tests by taking the field in London.
“Nathan has been diagnosed with a significant calf strain,” a statement read.
“He will require a period of rehabilitation after this match is concluded.
“A decision regarding his availability for the remainder of the series will be made at the conclusion of the game.”
The 35-year-old took his 496th Test wicket barely an hour before the injury, with a serious calf injury putting on hold his quest to become the eighth bowler to reach the 500 mark in Tests.
There is only a three-day gap between the end of the Lord’s Test and the start of the third game, meaning Lyon does not have much time to recover for the Headingley clash.
Australia has off spinner Todd Murphy in the extended squad for the series.
The Victorian made his Test debut in India earlier this year, playing all four Tests and taking 14 wickets.
Loading