Nathan Lyon has been formally ruled out of the rest of the Ashes after tearing his calf during Australia’s Second Test victory at Lord’s.
The spinner, who had been playing in his 100th consecutive Test match, picked up the problem while fielding on day two and did not bowl for the remainder of the game, having arrived at the ground on crutches the following morning.
He did, however, hobble out to bat virtually on one leg at the end of Australia’s second innings, adding a partnership of 15 runs with Mitchell Starc that at one stage on Sunday, with Ben Stokes on the charge, looked like it could be crucial before the tourists eventually wrapped up a 43-run success to go 2-0 up in the series.
Australia have now confirmed that Lyon will miss the rest of the series, with 22-year-old spinner Todd Murphy in line for an Ashes debut.
Murphy impressed when taking seven wickets in an innings on Test debut against India earlier this year and Lyon has backed the youngster to handle the heat of Ashes battle.
"His stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin," Lyon said.
"It will be a different challenge with the England batters.
"If they do come at him, it provides Todd with a decent challenge. But a chance to leave his footmarks here in England. It is a big Ashes series, he is excited by the opportunity."
