The Australian men’s cricket team has significantly changed their Test squad for the ongoing Ashes 2023 series in England. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a significant calf tear. Lyon’s absence presents an opportunity for Todd Murphy, who was impressed during the India tour earlier this year, to debut in Ashes. With Australia taking a 2-0 lead in the series, the team aims to adjust to Lyon’s absence and maintain their winning momentum.
During the second day of the second Test, Lyon sustained a calf injury while fielding and could not bowl or field for the remainder of the match. However, displaying remarkable courage, Lyon, despite his injury, walked out to bat as the last man after Australia lost their ninth wicket. Battling on one leg, Lyon contributed crucial 15 runs in a final-wicket partnership with Mitchell Starc before being dismissed for four. Australia’s victory by 43 runs at Lord’s further showcased Lyon’s determination and fighting spirit.
With Nathan Lyon sidelined, Todd Murphy will likely fill the vacant spinner’s role in the Australian squad. Murphy made his international debut earlier this year during the India tour, where he impressed with his performance, claiming 14 wickets from four Test matches.
Nathan Lyon has expressed confidence in Murphy, highlighting his ability to deliver the stock ball effectively, even in challenging conditions like India. Murphy sees the Ashes series as an opportunity to leave his mark in England and eagerly looks forward to the challenge.
“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 gives Todd a decent challenge. But a chance to leave his footmarks here in England. It is a big Ashes series, and he is excited by the opportunity,” he added.
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Australian coach Andrew McDonald has strongly indicated Murphy’s inclusion in the playing XI, acknowledging the team’s need for a spin option in Lyon’s absence. McDonald admitted that the team faced challenges adapting their strategies without Lyon, as they had become accustomed to relying on his bowling expertise. Murphy’s inclusion is expected to bring stability and balance to the team as they seek to maintain their dominance in the series against England.
“As you saw (on Sunday), we had to do it differently at certain times without Nathan Lyon down the other end, which we’ve been so used to. At times it looked chaotic, so we like to have that spin option,” coach Andrew McDonald said.
