Australian head coach Andrew McDonald opened up about veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s injury ahead of the Boxing Day Test against England during the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series. McDonald stated that Lyon is determined to return to the Australian cricket team following surgery for a torn hamstring.
Lyon suffered a hamstring injury late on the final day of the Adelaide Ashes Test against England. The veteran spinner hurt himself while stretching on his fine leg near the boundary to stop a four. After receiving medical attention, Lyon left the field with his hamstring in hand and was ruled out of the rest of the series.
He’s pretty shattered – Andrew McDonald on Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon remains a key part of Australia’s plans despite concerns over his future. Andrew McDonald said the spinner is deeply disappointed but is keen to bounce back.
After undergoing surgery, Lyon is still expected to remain with the Australian squad for the fourth Ashes Test, which starts in Melbourne on Friday, December 26. Lyon had suffered a calf problem that ruled him out of the 2023 Ashes in England.
“He’s pretty devastated,” McDonald told cricket.com.au late on Tuesday. “He plays a big role in what we do. He has a long recovery period. With these types of injuries it will be a difficult period for him to get back to where he was. “But he still wants to do it and that’s the most important thing.”
India is on the horizon, he will play a key role in it – Andrew McDonald
Australia’s Test schedule gives Nathan Lyon time to recover without rushing his return. After the final Ashes Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia will not play another series until mid-2026, after which it will travel to Bangladesh.
Australia will face New Zealand and South Africa for a demanding five-Test tour of India in early 2027, followed by the 150th anniversary Test against England. McDonald said the focus is on Lyon completing his rehabilitation and being ready for those important assignments.
“India is on the horizon, he will play a key role in that,” McDonald said of Lyon. “We’ve had New Zealand (and) South Africa before that. So get through this rehabilitation and then (we’ll) look ahead.”
Nathan Lyon replaced by Todd Murphy for final two tests
Nathan Lyon has been an important part of the Australian test team for years. He has played 141 Tests, including 100 consecutive matches between 2013 and 2023. Australia used two spinners in some matches on the subcontinent, but Lyon remained the first-choice spinner at home.
Lyon has also spoken about his future plans. He has often said he wants to tour India and England with Australia in 2027. By then he will be almost 40 years old, but he still wants to keep playing.
With Lyon ruled out, Australia have selected Todd Murphy as the main spin option for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne. The 25-year-old was selected ahead of Matthew Kuhnemann, Corey Rochiccioli and Mitchell Swepson.
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