BREAKING NEWS: Nathan Lyon stumbles into Lord’s on CRUTCHES as Australia hold their breath over the key spinner’s fitness after suffering a calf injury in the second Ashes Test
Nathan Lyon arrived at Lord’s on crutches on Friday morning in a worrying sign for Australia.
The spin bowler, 35, hobbled off in distress on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test on Thursday, with Cricket Australia later confirming he had suffered an injury to his right calf.
The severity of the injury is not yet known, but Lyon was seen using crutches to assist him as he arrived at the Home of Cricket on Friday, as Australia collectively held their breath over his condition.
Lyon played his 100th successive Test match for his country this week and his ability to control and stop the bowling attack has proved crucial for the Aussies in recent years.
His influence was further highlighted in Edgbaston last week when his masterful bowling helped control Bazball, as he helped make the winning runs with captain Pat Cummins.
Nathan Lyon has arrived at Lord’s on crutches ahead of Day 3 of the second Ashes Test
The veteran spinner was forced off with a right calf injury during Day 2 in London
Australia may have to wait some time to determine the full extent of Lyon’s injury as he was yet to be booked for scans on Thursday evening.
But in a series already riddled with comparisons to the brilliant 2005 Ashes, Australia’s fear would be that this is their Glenn McGrath moment.
McGrath’s rolled ankle turned the series after he stepped on an errant ball before playing at Edgbaston on the first day, allowing England to fight back after a big first test loss.
The consequences of Lyon’s right calf injury at Lord’s could also be huge.
Travis Head and Steve Smith shared overs on Thursday night, but neither will pose the same threat as Lyon in the fourth innings of this game.
“It’s not ideal, especially your spin bowler,” Smith said.
The severity of the injury remains unclear in what could be a huge blow to Australia
‘It’s a (one-man) role. Batters I suppose there are many of us so it’s a little different. Obviously, if Nathan is no good, he would be a huge loss.
“But Todd Murphy is waiting in the wings. He is bowling beautifully in the nets and he also bowled very well in India when he got his chance.
“I’d bet he’d do a great job for us if he came, but fingers crossed Nathan’s okay.”