Nathan Lyon: Australian spinner's calf injury could rule him out of Ashes 2023 | ENG vs AUS | Lord's Test

Australia are sweating over the injury of spinner Nathan Lyon, who is suspected to have torn his right calf while sprinting to catch a fly ball on the second day of the second Ashes test at Lord's. In evident pain, Lyon had to rely on assistance as he limped back to the pavilion.

Teammate Steve Smith expressed his disappointment, stating, "We're going to miss him this game and could miss him for a little while."

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Lyon's condition will be assessed overnight, without providing further details.

If the 35-year-old off-spinner indeed has a torn calf, it would mean a two-month recovery period, causing him to miss the remaining matches of the five-match Ashes series.

Lyon's absence would be a significant blow to the Australian team, considering his outstanding performance in the opening win at Edgbaston, where he claimed eight wickets. He also struck early in the second test, taking the first England wicket.

During this particular match, Lyon was on the verge of reaching a remarkable milestone of 500 career wickets. His dismissal of Zak Crawley marked his 496th career wicket, leaving him just four shy from becoming the eighth player in history to achieve this feat.

Prior to his injury, Lyon had delivered an impressive performance, conceding only 35 runs in his 13 overs, while his teammates struggled to contain the opposing batsmen. Lyon was called upon to bowl after just 11 overs of the innings.

In Lyon's absence, Australia will have to rely on spin alternatives such as Travis Head and Steve Smith. The last time Lyon missed a Test was the 2013 Ashes match at Lord's. His consistency and dedication earned him the distinction of being only the sixth player, and the first bowler, to achieve a remarkable record of playing 100 consecutive Test matches in this game.

Also read: Steve Smith scores 12th Test hundred against England, now only behind Don Bradman

(With PTI inputs)