According to Australia’s deputy skipper Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon’s injury is not looking good and the veteran spinner might face time on the sidelines after sustaining a right calf problem on day two of the second Ashes Test.
“I haven’t been up in the sheds yet, but obviously it didn’t look good. It doesn’t look ideal for the rest of the game,” Steve Smith told reporters.
“I’m not sure how he actually is. But obviously if he’s no good, it’s a big loss for us.
The 35-year-old is taking part in his 100th consecutive Test match, and sustained an injury while chasing a ball in the final session of day two. He quickly fell on the turf after grabbing at his right calf muscle before the medical personnel assisted him off the ground.
“He’s in his 100th consecutive Test match, which I know he was really looking forward to taking part in and having a role in as well. Fingers crossed he’s OK, but it didn’t look good.”
If at all Lyon is ruled out from the Ashes, Todd Murphy who impressed everyone in his debut series against India back in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will be the prime contender to replace Lyon.
“(He’s) been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity,” Smith said.
“I would be confident if he came in that he would do a terrific job for us.”
Earlier, the Australian batter Steve Smith made it into the history books after he became the batter with the second-highest number of centuries for his country in Test format. He reached this feat during Ashes second Test against England at Lord's, getting his 32nd ton in the longest format of the game. He scored a total of 110 runs off 184 balls, studded with 15 boundaries.