Australia’s commanding Ashes triumph in Adelaide has been tempered by concern over Nathan Lyon, who suffered a right hamstring injury on the final day of the Test and is now in serious doubt for the remainder of the series. The veteran spinner’s fitness has suddenly become a major talking point as attention turns toward Melbourne.
The injury occurred when Lyon dived to stop a ball at fine leg. He immediately clutched his hamstring and signalled to the dressing room before leaving the field, exchanging a brief word with Marnus Labuschagne as he limped off. Although he departed Adelaide Oval on crutches to undergo scans, Lyon later returned to join Australia’s celebrations after they sealed a 3–0 Ashes lead.
Lyon’s potential absence would be a significant blow. At 38, he remains central to Australia’s success, and his impact in Adelaide underlined that importance. He claimed five wickets in the match, including three in the second innings that helped swing the contest decisively Australia’s way. Captain Pat Cummins admitted the signs were worrying and stressed how difficult Lyon would be to replace, not only for his wicket-taking ability but also for the control he brings to long spells.
The injury also evokes memories of the 2023 Ashes, when Lyon suffered a series-ending calf injury at Lord’s while chasing a ball in the field. With the fourth Test just a week away, Australia now face a genuine selection dilemma if Lyon is ruled out.
Cummins pointed to the depth Australia have built among their spinners, crediting recent tours for giving alternatives exposure to international cricket. Yet choosing the right replacement for Australian conditions is far from straightforward.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is officially Australia’s second Test spinner, but his experience has largely come overseas, where he has operated as a support act to Lyon on spin-friendly pitches in India and Sri Lanka. His record in Australian conditions is modest, and he has had limited red-ball opportunities this summer.
Victorian offspinner Todd Murphy looms as a strong contender. He has already filled in for Lyon during the 2023 Ashes, has bowled well in the Sheffield Shield, and impressed as Australia A’s specialist spinner against England Lions. Murphy also boasts a solid record at the MCG, even if opportunities have been limited by Victoria’s seam-heavy attack.
Another option is Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli, whose extra bounce and height have made him a consistent threat in Shield cricket. He has been among the leading spinners domestically over the past two seasons and recently partnered Murphy on an Australia A tour of India.
While Australia opted for an all-seam attack in Brisbane earlier in the series, that approach is unlikely to be repeated in Melbourne. With Lyon’s fitness in doubt, Australia’s selection balance—and their ability to maintain control through spin—has suddenly become one of the most intriguing subplots as the Ashes move toward the MCG.
