Speculation surrounding Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s participation in the ongoing Ashes series continues to grow following a remark made by former Australia national cricket team doctor Peter Brukner. While there is no official confirmation on Lyon’s availability, Brukner suggested that the 35-year-old may have played his last match in the series after sustaining a calf injury on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. It seems Nathan Lyon may be ruled out of Ashes 2023.
Lyon may be ruled out of Ashes
As Nathon Lyon underwent scans to assess the extent of his injury, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the official medical bulletin. However, Brukner, drawing on his experience with the Australia national cricket team’s medical setup, expressed skepticism about Lyon’s chances of returning to the series. He estimated a recovery period of four to six weeks for the spinner, effectively ruling him out of further Ashes action.
“It’s a disaster. He’s basically out of the Ashes, I’d think. I don’t think we’ll see him again this series,” Brukner stated, emphasizing the severity of the injury based on Lyon’s initial level of disability. He further surmised that Lyon might have suffered a significant muscle tear in the gastrocnemius, the bulky calf muscle, accompanied by substantial bleeding.
Australia perform well despite Lyon’s absence
If Brukner’s prediction holds true, Lyon’s absence will deal a major blow to the Australian team, who currently lead the five-match series 1-0. Lyon’s remarkable loyalty to Australian cricket and his milestone of playing 100 consecutive Test matches make his potential absence even more significant.
Meanwhile, Australia have taken up a 91-run lead after the first innings. Having made 416 runs in the first innings, Australia were able to bowl England out for just 325 runs. Mitchell Starc emerged as the hero for Australia as he picked up 3 wickets in 17 overs. Lyon had bowled 13 overs before leaving the field and had also picked up an important wicket of opener Zak Crawley just before he could reach his fifty.
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