![Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Nathan Lyon arrives at Lord’s on crutches after calf injury in 2nd Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Nathan-Lyon-arrives-on-crutches.jpg "Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Nathan Lyon arrives at Lord’s on crutches after calf injury in 2nd Test")
On Day 2 of the second Test match of the Ashes series at Lord’s, Steve Smith showcased his batting prowess by scoring his 32nd century in Test cricket. Despite Australia losing wickets quickly in the first session of Day 2, Smith stood firm and played a crucial inning of 110 off 184 balls before being dismissed by Josh Tongue, who was making his Ashes debut. Ollie Robinson contributed with wickets towards the end of Australia’s innings, as the visitors managed to score 416 runs in their first innings.
In response, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett provided a strong start to their team’s first innings, scoring 48 and 98 runs respectively. Unfortunately, both fell short of individual milestones, missing out on a half-century and a century. Ollie Pope also made a valuable contribution with 42 runs before being dismissed by Cameron Green. At the end of Day 2, England stood at 278/4, with Harry Brook unbeaten on 45 and Ben Stokes on 17, leading the way for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins-led Australia dealt with a major blow on Day 2 as veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a calf injury at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. The Australian spinner got injured while fielding in the deep. Lyon had to leave the field with the help of medical staff, and there were concerns about his ability to continue on the tour.
The 35-year-old Lyon, playing his 100th consecutive Test, looked visibly distressed as he limped around the boundary, raising doubts about his future involvement in the series. Lyon has been a key component of Australia’s bowling attack, particularly as their only spinner. He has already taken nine wickets in the Test series and is known for his ability to trouble England’s batters.
Now, Lyon’s participation in the Ashes series became uncertain after he appeared on crutches on Friday morning ahead of Day 3 at Lord’s.
Here’s the video:
The Australians have arrived 80 minutes before play as Nathan Lyon struggles with his team mates on crutches following his calf injury yesterday. @SEN_Cricket pic.twitter.com/a1lRWLIofm
— Adam White (@White_Adam) June 30, 2023
Smith, who scored a brilliant hundred in the first innings – his 32nd overall in this format, shared some insights, with media after the end of second day’s play, on what’s happening with Lyon.
“I haven’t been up in the sheds yet, but obviously it didn’t look good. It doesn’t look ideal for the rest of the game. I’m not sure how he actually is. But obviously, if he’s no good, it’s a big loss for us,” Smith said to the media after the second day’s play.
“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. Fingers crossed he’s OK, but it didn’t look good,” the former Australian captain added.
Australia have three part-time spinners in the form of Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne, who may be called upon to share the workload in Lyon’s absence. If Lyon is ruled out of the next match, Todd Murphy will likely to be considered as a replacement option. The Australian camp will need to adapt and find ways to overcome Lyon’s absence as they continue their quest for Ashes glory.
