Nathan Lyon's Injury Raises Concerns for Australia's Ashes Campaign

Nathan Lyon's recent hamstring injury during the third Ashes Test has left his participation in the upcoming matches uncertain. As Australia faces a crucial phase in the series, potential replacements like Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are being considered. Lyon's absence could significantly impact the team's performance, especially after his impressive wicket-taking in the match. This article delves into the implications of his injury and the prospects for the Australian squad moving forward.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 08:48 IST

Nathan Lyon Faces Injury Setback

Adelaide [Australia], December 21: Nathan Lyon, the seasoned Australian spinner, has sustained a hamstring injury during the concluding day of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. This unfortunate incident has left him unable to bowl for the remainder of the match, casting doubt on his availability for the final two Tests.

While attempting to field a ball at fine leg, the 38-year-old Lyon dived but emerged gingerly, signaling to the dressing room after clutching his right hamstring. Following a brief exchange with teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who offered him support, Lyon made his way back to the dressing room. Reports indicate he left the venue before lunch to undergo scans, as noted by a sports news outlet.

A representative from Cricket Australia confirmed that Lyon would not continue in the Test.

This injury is a significant setback for the Australian team. In the second innings, while England pursued a daunting target of 435 runs, Lyon claimed three vital wickets, contributing to a total of five wickets in the match, which helped Australia gain a crucial advantage. He collaborated with captain Pat Cummins to initiate a collapse in England's batting order, reducing their score from 177/3 to 194/6 in a high-stakes Test.

If Lyon is unable to participate in the upcoming fourth Test in Melbourne, scheduled for Boxing Day, two prominent candidates are poised to step in. Matthew Kuhnemann, a 29-year-old left-arm spinner currently ranked second in Australia's spin hierarchy, is a strong contender. He previously toured the West Indies with the national team earlier this year.

Kuhnemann has played five Tests, taking 25 wickets at an impressive average of 22.20, although he has struggled to find success in Australia recently, participating in only two Sheffield Shield matches this year due to commitments in white-ball cricket and injuries, where he took four wickets at an average of 36.

Another potential replacement is Todd Murphy, a Victorian offspinner who has played seven Tests for Australia, including two during the 2023 Ashes series in the UK as a substitute for Lyon, who was injured at that time. Murphy has performed well in the Sheffield Shield this season, taking 10 wickets at an average of 23.70 across four matches. He could prove to be a formidable asset at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Boxing Day Test.

Additionally, Corey Rocchiccioli, an offspinner from Western Australia, has excelled in Shield Cricket this season, boasting 20 wickets in six matches at an average of 28.20, following a successful previous season where he took 38 wickets at an average of 27.71.