In his 100th consecutive Test, Australia spinner Nathan Lyon injured his calves. Due to the injury, Lyon failed to make a comeback on Day 2, while on Day 3, he seemed to be walking with the help of sticks. Lyon, the World Test Championship cycle’s leading wicket-taker, staggered off Lord’s pitch in the 37th over on Thursday after suffering a calf injury while fielding.
Former Australia skipper Steve Smith also addressed the issue in the post-day press conference. He said that it’s impossible for Lyon to bowl again in this game. But he also expressed his satisfaction that Tod Murphy was there. However, Todd Murphy is waiting in the wings. He has been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity as well. So I’d be confident if he came in he’d do a terrific job for us, but fingers crossed Nathan’s all right.” Smith was quoted as saying by WAtoday.
Smith’s century at Lord’s not only helped Australia’s first-innings total of 416, but it also put him in the company of Steve Waugh, who has 32 Test hundreds. Only Ricky Ponting (41 centuries) has more than them. “I missed out last game, so I was keen to make a few this game,” Smith said. “I love playing at Lord’s. It’s nice to get myself back up on the honours board again,” Smith concluded during the press conference.
Will England score more than Australia’s total?
On day 2, England was dominant, scoring 188 for the cost of just one wicket. However, Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, changed the team’s strategy by instructing bowlers to use short-pitched deliveries, causing England’s batting line-up to collapse. This method was used against Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root, demonstrating the potential viability of such tactics throughout the season. While some criticised England’s strategy, Smith found it intriguing and admitted that, given the pitch circumstances, it was a logical response.
Nonetheless, England’s determination to go after the bouncers provided opportunities for Australia to retake control of the game. As the series advances, Australia faces the possibility of replacing Nathan Lyon with Todd Murphy. Lyon’s fitness review will determine if Murphy makes his Ashes debut next week at Headingley. Regardless, the Australian team remains upbeat, relying on the depth of its talent and the potential contributions of its young stars to retain the Ashes.
Here is how fans reacted to Nathan Lyon’s injury:
— Jim Is Here To Take Care of Him (@RoastHimJim) June 30, 2023
Feeling sad for him. Should have completed his 100th consecutive test match. 🙁
— Shubham Yadav (@Shubham_Yadav75) June 30, 2023
So sad. He could have get 500 wickets in his 100th test. Such a bad luck. But then that's life. Unexpected.
— Barkha Joshi (@bindasbarkha) June 30, 2023
After 100 consecutive tests he will miss next for sure.
— Shashank Sharma (@Shankify_99) June 30, 2023
Abe bc khila usse captain hai vo mera
— Gaurav Dhyani (@GauravD2804) June 30, 2023
Streak going to break for Lyon
— SHUBHAM SINGH (@Singhh_ji) June 30, 2023
Will they get replacement ?
— Tu13dekhh (@Tu13dekhh13) June 30, 2023
Ig his streak is going to be broken 🙁
— K ?? (@VK18addict_) June 30, 2023
Bhai ohh kel lega ek tang sey bhi
— Ayush (API) ? (@AyushDbz) June 30, 2023
good for ind lostralia must lose 2 matches for ind to maintain their no 1 rank???????
— Kawal7828 (@kawal7828) June 30, 2023
Effect of the jinx of playing 100 consecutive tests
— A N B U (@NotOut49) June 30, 2023
