Australia suffers massive blow as Nathan Lyon ruled out of remaining Ashes series  

Nathan Lyon walking with crutches (Source: Twitter)

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series due to a calf tear. The news came as no surprise as the veteran cricketer was seen walking on crutches after being injured while fielding during England's first innings on Day 2 at Lord's. Australia are yet to name Lyon's replacement, but Todd Murphy is the favourite to get the nod for the third Test, which starts at Headingley on July 6.

Lyon was unable to bowl the remainder of the game, but he inspired everyone by hobbling out to bat in the second innings. The 35-year-old added a valuable 15 for the last wicket with Mitchell Starc, which at one stage looked crucial when Ben Stokes came out all guns blazing in the chase of 371 runs on Day 5.

"I knew the risks, but the way I look at it, I’d do anything for this team, and you never know how big a 15-run partnership could be in an Ashes series. I’m proud of myself for going out and doing that, if it was tomorrow I’d do it again," said Lyon after Australia's second innings.

Australia will be without Lyon for the first time in 101 Tests

The latest update means Australia will be without Nathan Lyon in their playing XI for the first time in 101 Tests. He was the first bowler to play 100 consecutive Tests for Australia. The right-arm spinner was just four scalps away from taking 500 wickets in the longest format of the game.

Earlier, former Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said that Lyon may not take further part in Ashes 2023 since he believed it to be a serious injury. “He’s basically out of the Ashes, I’d think. I don’t think we’ll see him again in this series. It’s a disaster. It clearly was quite a severe one from the amount of disability he had straight away. It’s probably a pretty significant injury, I’d think," Brukner had said.

Australia squad for third Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.