Steve Smith is hopeful Australia won’t need to replace Nathan Lyon in this year’s Ashes series, but is confident Todd Murphy would do a “terrific job” in the legend’s absence.
Australia faces a nervous wait to determine the full extent of Lyon’s calf injury, which he suffered on day two of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
It’s a cruel twist of luck for Lyon, who suffered the injury in what was his 100th consecutive Test.
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Pending scans, the 35-year-old could miss the remainder of the second Test and subsequent outings.
The injury is already being likened to the 2005 Ashes incident in which Glenn McGrath suffered two ruptured ligaments and bone damage in his right ankle after rolling it on a ball.
McGrath’s absence was felt and England won the series, marking the first Ashes triumph in 18 years.
“I haven’t been up in the sheds yet, but yeah, obviously it didn’t look good,” Smith said at stumps.
“It doesn’t look ideal for the rest of the game. I’m not sure how he actually is. Obviously, if he’s no good it’s a big loss for us.
“He’s in his 100th consecutive Test match, which I know he was really looking forward to taking part in and having a role in as well.
“So yeah, fingers crossed, he’s OK, but it didn’t look good.”
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Lyon was particularly potent in the first Test at Edgbaston, taking four wickets in the first innings and another four in the second.
He also played a pivotal role in the 55-run partnership with Pat Cummins that won them the Test in a second innings run chase.
It’s a big blow for Australia with only the likes of Travis Head, Marnus Labuschange and Steve Smith spinning options – albeit, a far cry in ability from Lyon.
“It’s not ideal, particularly your spin bowler – it’s one role,” said Smith.
“Batter, I suppose there’s loads of us around, so it’s a bit different. I think Nathan’s obviously, if he’s no good, it’d be a huge loss.”
If Lyon needs to be replaced it will almost certainly be 22-year-old bespectacled Murphy answering the call.
Murphy was a revelation for Australia in India, taking 7-124 on debut.
Lyon’s place as the go-to specialist spinner has kept Murphy out of the picture in pace-friendly conditions, however, now might be his time to shine.
“Todd Murphy is waiting in the wings,” said Smith.
“He has been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity as well.
“I’d be confident if he came in he’d do a terrific job for us, but fingers crossed Nathan’s all right.”
Murphy also has the backing of another legendary spin bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Todd Murphy had a sensational debut series,” Ashwin was quoted by the UK Telegraph.
“Murphy came here 10 to 50 times better than how Nathan Lyon came here on his first Test tour.”
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