Huge blow to Australia as Nathan Lyon ruled out of Adelaide Test due to hamstring injury, doubtful for remainder of Ashes

Australia's veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who delivered a magical spell on December 20, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Adelaide Test due to a right hamstring injury he suffered on Day 5. The injury keeps his participation for the last two Ashes 2025-26 Test doubtful as well.

Lyon injured himself while putting in a dive in the 77th over of the innings. He hobbled off the ground and got immediate medical attention. Later, he was taken to the hospital for scans. He was seen walking with the help of crutches.

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Lyon suffered an injury in the previous Ashes as well which led to him getting ruled out. If the 38-year-old gets ruled out of the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, it is going to be a major setback for the hosts. It is already a setback on a Day 5 pitch at Adelaide as Australia look to close the game and retain the urn once again.

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On Day 4, Lyon was exceptional. He triggered a mini collapse with the wicket of Harry Brook who went for an unnecessary reverse sweep. Then, he bowled a beauty of a delivery to outfox England skipper Ben Stokes. His third victim of the day was Zak Crawley. The opener was drawn forward and the rest was taken care of by wicketkeeper Alex Carey taking the bails off in a flash. In the fourth innings, he has bowled 25 overs and conceded 77 runs to bag three wickets.

Who will be the frontline spinner if Lyon gets ruled out?

25-year-old Todd Murphy is one of the prominent names to replace Lyon. From seven Tests, he has 22 wickets at an average of 28.13. He claimed three wickets for Australia A against England Lions in Brisbane earlier this month. However, the Victoria spinner has not been exceptional. From four games in Sheffield Shield 2025-26, he has claimed 10 wickets at an average of 23.70.

Another option is Corey Rocchiccioli who has taken 20 wickets from six games at an average of 28.20 in Sheffield Shield 2025-26. He was part of Australia A tour of India in September. From two games, he bagged six wickets.

If Australia go for a left-arm spinner, Matthew Kuhnemann may walk into the side. The Tasmania spinner has managed just four wickets from two games this Sheffield Shield season. The 29-year-old has played five Tests and bagged 25 wickets at 22.20 apiece.

The fourth Test is scheduled to start on December 26. There is enough time for Lyon to recover for Boxing Day Test if it is not a major injury.