Fringe off-spinner Todd Murphy eyes dream Ashes debut as Australia brace for Lyon-less challenge

Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the ongoing Ashes 2023 after the cricketer tore his right calf while fielding during Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. The team management is yet to confirm the development, but as things stand, youngster Todd Murphy is all set to make his Ashes debut at Headingley on July 6. The selectors are yet to announce Lyon’s replacement for the remaining games, but Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Kuhnemann remain favourites.

Notably, the injury brought an end to Lyon’s unbelievable streak of playing 100 consecutive Test matches. He is just the sixth man in Test history to achieve this remarkable feat and the only bowler to do so. Meanwhile, despite the injury, Lyon walked out to bat on Day 4, and courtesy of the same, he has received massive appreciation from the cricketing fraternity as the player was barely able to walk.

On the other hand, Murphy, who is the only other spinner available for selection, was spectacular in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier in the year. He has represented the national team in four Test matches, picking up 14 wickets in the process and as per ESPNcricinfo, he is on the verge of playing his first Ashes Test. However, the 22-year-old does not have a lot of experience playing as a sole spinner in the longest format of the game.

He has only done it twice in first-class cricket, and thus, the team management will have to guide the player in order to get the job done in the third match of the series.

Australia release Matt Renshaw for remaining matches

The release of Matt Renshaw confirms that Cricket Australia is happy with the team’s progress in the ongoing series. David Warner’s spot was the only point of argument ahead of the series, but the southpaw has played some good cricket so far, and with that, he has retained his spot for the moment. Notably, Renshaw will be staying in England and will be part of the backups. 

On the other hand, Marcus Harris and Mitchell Marsh too maintained their position as backup batter and all-rounder in the squad. Meanwhile, there is no clear update on Josh Inglis’ return, and thus, Jimmy Pierson has retained his position in the 16-member squad.

Australia squad for Headingley Test: Pat Cummins (c), Steven Smith (vc), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Marcus Harris, Mitchell Marsh, Jimmy Peirson (wk)