Australia face a final injury concern after Nathan Lyon suffered a hamstring injury on day five of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide (Sunday, December 21). The veteran spinner was unable to continue bowling for the remainder of the Test match and was later seen leaving the Adelaide Oval on crutches.
Lyon bowled 53 overs in the entire Test and played a key role with the ball. A hamstring problem has raised doubts over his availability for the remaining two Test matches of the ongoing series in Melbourne and Sydney. With a short gap of only four days between matches, his recovery time is a serious concern for the hosts.
Nathan Lyon suffers hamstring injury on final day in Adelaide
Nathan Lyon suffered a hamstring injury while fielding late on the final day in Adelaide. The incident occurred in the 77th over when he dived at fine leg to prevent a four but immediately showed discomfort and got up and held his right leg.
The 38-year-old was clearly struggling as he limped off the field with the team physio following a brief exchange with Marnus Labuschagne. It was later confirmed that he would not take any further part in the match. Lyon finished the Test match with five wickets, including three in the second innings.
Lyon was later seen leaving Adelaide Oval on crutches before the lunch break on day five to undergo scans, raising concerns over the seriousness of the injury. The incident also brought back memories of his calf problem during the 2023 Ashes, which ruled him out of the remainder of that series.
Australia will face a spin dilemma if Nathan Lyon is out.
If Nathan Lyon is ruled out of the Melbourne Test, it will be an important decision for Australia to decide who will lead their spin attack.
Matthew Kuhnman is Australia’s backup option as their second-choice Test spinner. He last played Test cricket for Australia in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Overall, he has taken 25 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 22.20. However, he has managed only four wickets in two Sheffield Shield matches this summer.
There are also concerns about the effectiveness of left-arm orthodox spinners in Australian conditions, where off-spin has traditionally been more successful. Kuhnmann’s red-ball action has been limited this season due to injuries and white-ball commitments and his Sheffield Shield returns have been modest.
Australia will consider spin options if Nathan Lyon is not available
Australia have a number of spin options to consider if Nathan Lyon is unavailable, with some bowlers staking their case through strong domestic performances.
Todd Murphy brings Test experience and has looked sharp in the Sheffield Shield this season. He also impressed while playing for Australia A against the England Lions. The off-spinner has a solid record at the MCG, even if he has not bowled extensively due to Victoria’s reliance on fast bowlers.
Corey Rocchioli is another option after consistent success in Shield cricket, particularly at the WACA, where his height and bounce have caused problems for the batsmen. While Australia used every type of attack in Brisbane at the start of the series, the conditions in Melbourne make it more likely they will turn to a specialist spinner.
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