Australia have been dealt a late injury concern after Nathan Lyon hurt his hamstring on the final day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on Day 5 (Sunday, December 21). The experienced spinner was unable to continue bowling for the rest of the Test match and was later seen leaving the Adelaide Oval on crutches.

Lyon bowled 53 overs across the Test and played an important role with the ball. The hamstring issue has cast doubt over his availability for the remaining two Tests of the ongoing series in Melbourne and Sydney. With only a short gap of four days between matches, his recovery time is a serious concern for the hosts.

Nathan Lyon Suffers Hamstring Injury on Final Day in Adelaide

Nathan Lyon picked up a hamstring injury while fielding late on the final day in Adelaide. The incident occurred in the 77th over when he dived at fine leg to stop a boundary but immediately showed discomfort and clutched his right leg after getting up.

The 38-year-old was clearly struggling as he limped off the field with the team physio following a brief exchange with Marnus Labuschagne. It was later confirmed that he would take no further part in the match. Lyon finished the Test with five wickets, including three in the second innings.

Lyon was later seen leaving the Adelaide Oval on crutches before the lunch break on Day 5 to undergo scans, raising concerns over the seriousness of the injury. The incident also brought back memories of his calf problem during the 2023 Ashes, which had ruled him out of the remainder of that series.

Australia Face Spin Dilemma If Nathan Lyon Is Ruled Out

If Nathan Lyon is ruled out of the Melbourne Test, Australia will have a key decision to make over who leads their spin attack.

Matthew Kuhnemann is the backup option as Australia’s second-choice Test spinner. He last played Test cricket for Australia earlier this year in Sri Lanka. Overall, he has taken 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 22.20. However, this summer he has managed only four wickets in two Sheffield Shield matches.

There are also concerns about the effectiveness of a left-arm orthodox spinner in Australian conditions, where off-spin has traditionally been more successful. Kuhnemann has had limited red-ball action this season due to injuries and white-ball commitments, and his Sheffield Shield returns have been modest.

Australia Weigh Spin Options If Nathan Lyon Is Unavailable

Australia have several spin options to consider if Nathan Lyon is unavailable, with a few bowlers pushing their case through strong domestic performances.

Todd Murphy brings Test experience and has looked sharp in the Sheffield Shield this season. He also impressed while playing for Australia A against England Lions. The off-spinner has a solid record at the MCG, even though he has not bowled extensively due to Victoria’s reliance on their fast bowlers.

Corey Rocchiccioli is another option after consistent success in Shield cricket, particularly at the WACA, where his height and bounce have caused problems for batters. While Australia used an all-pace attack in Brisbane earlier in the series, conditions in Melbourne make it more likely they will turn to a specialist spinner.