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Nathan Lyon sustains brutal hamstring injury; Ashes future in doubt

Akshita Patel

Nathan Lyon injured while fielding in Ashes [Source: @BlueBulletin45, @beastieboy07/X.com]Nathan Lyon injured while fielding in Ashes [Source: @BlueBulletin45, @beastieboy07/X.com]

Australian veteran Nathan Lyon suffered a right hamstring injury on the final morning of the Adelaide Ashes Test while fielding. Now, his availability for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is in serious doubt.

The 38-year-old was injured while diving to stop a ball at fine leg. He immediately grabbed his hamstring and signalled for assistance, clearly in discomfort. 

Nathan Lyon’s Ashes future in limbo after hamstring pull

After a brief conversation with Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon left the field and later limped off to the dressing room. 

He was seen leaving Adelaide Oval on crutches before lunch to undergo scans, with Cricket Australia confirming he would not bowl again in the match. 

The injury is a worrying reminder of Lyon’s misfortune during the 2023 Ashes, when he suffered a series-ending calf injury at Lord’s while chasing the ball in the field. 

On this occasion, the timing is again cruel, especially given his impact in the Adelaide Test. Lyon picked up five important wickets, including three in the second innings, playing a key role in helping Australia win another Ashes victory. 

If Lyon is ruled out of the fourth Test in Melbourne, Australia will face a significant selection decision. Unlike Brisbane, where Australia successfully played an all-seam attack, conditions at the MCG usually demand a specialist spinner, making Lyon’s absence more difficult to manage.

Who will replace Nathan Lyon at the MCG?

Matthew Kuhnemann is Australia’s second-choice Test spinner on contract and recently toured the West Indies. However, he is primarily seen as a support spinner alongside Nathan Lyon, especially in overseas conditions. 

Left-arm spin has not been as effective in Australia in recent years, and Kuhnemann has had limited red-ball cricket this summer due to injury and white-ball commitments. 

Todd Murphy appears to be the leading candidate. The Victorian offspinner has Test experience, having played seven Tests, including two during the Ashes 2023 when Lyon was injured.

Murphy has bowled well in Sheffield Shield cricket and also impressed against England Lions recently. Importantly, he has a strong record at the MCG, which could work in his favour.