Nathan Lyon ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series
Unsurprisingly, Australia spinner Nathan Lyon will miss the rest of the Ashes series after a calf injury.
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Nathan Lyon's injury provides an excellent opportunity for Todd Murphy. </p>
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Lyon suffered a "significant calf tear" while fielding on day two of the second Test at Lord's, which his side won in thrilling fashion to open up a 2-0 series lead. </p>
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Australia just need to avoid defeat in the third Test at Headingley this week to retain the urn, but must now do it without their 496-wicket spinner. </p>
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Eager for runs to add to England's second-innings chase, Australia sent a stricken Lyon out to bat late on Saturday afternoon, with images of the 35-year-old limping out to the middle sure to go down in Ashes folklore. </p>
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As it happened, the 15-run partnership he put together with Mitchell Starc were not needed as Australia won the Test by 43 runs, but the memories of Lyon's bravery will endure. </p>
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Murphy is Australia's spinning replacement for Lyon, with the 22-year-old working closely with Lyon behind the scenes in readiness for this moment. </p>
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"His stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin," Lyon told Cricket Australia's official website. </p>
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"It will be a different challenge with the England batters. If they do come at him, it provides Todd with a decent challenge. But a chance to leave his footmarks here in England. It is a big Ashes series, he is excited by the opportunity. </p>
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"I sat with Todd in the last session there (on day four) and spoke about spin bowling as we do. I have a lot of confidence in Todd. He is a great kid. He is willing to learn along the way," Lyon said. </p>
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"I have told him my phone is always on, it doesn't matter if I am sitting in the changeroom with him or I am sitting at home watching it in bed." </p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/nathan-lyon-ruled-remainder-ashes-series">Nathan Lyon ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>
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