Star Australian spinner Nathan Lyon showed sheer determination to bat in the 2nd innings for Australia despite having a major calf injury in his right leg. Lyon sustained an injury trying to chase down the ball on the Day 2 of the second test, as he walked out of the field in pain.
The 35-year-old added a 15-run partnership alongside Mitchell Starc for the final wicket in the 2nd innings to set a massive target of 371 for England to win the second test at Lord’s. The reports suggest that the Australian veteran will not take further in the series due to the Calf injury.
Speaking to the broadcaster after the win over England, Pat Cummins said that he wasn’t happy to send Nathan Lyon to bat in the 2nd innings, but the spinner was keen to bat for the Aussies to put in some runs to set up a big target on the 2nd test and revealed that Nathan Lyon is probably out of the series.
“I wasn’t particularly happy but he was pretty keen to get out there. He did an amazing job. I would imagine he is (out of the series),” Pat Cummins said.
Nathan Lyon became the first Australian bowler to play 100 consecutive test matches when he took the field for Baggy Green in Lord’s test and will crucial miss for the Australian team in the next three matches. The veteran played a crucial role in the team’s victory in the 1st test picking up 8 wickets and scoring important 16 runs in the chase on the 2nd innings.
I’m Proud Of Myself For Going Out There And Doing That – Nathan Lyon
Earlier, Nathan Lyon said that he was in constant touch with the medical team following his injury and he was well aware of the risks before going on the bat for the Aussies in the 2nd innings and added that he will do anything for his team, stating that even the 15 run partnership at the end can be crucial in high octane series like Ashes.
“I’ve been having conversations since it happened with our medical team. I knew the risks. But I’ll do anything for this team. You never know how big a 15-run partnership can be in an Ashes series. I’m proud of myself for going out there and doing that,” Nathan Lyon said.
Australian youngster Todd Murphy is expected to replace veteran Nathan Lyon in the next game of the Ashes series. Australia will take on England in the third test starting on Thursday in Headingley.