Ashes 2023: “We have Todd Murphy waiting in the wings” – Steve Smith hints at injury replacement for Nathan Lyon

In a massive blow for Australia, their star spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a calf injury towards the end of the second day’s play of the ongoing Lord’s Test. This forced him to leave the field, and the chances of him returning to bowl in the remainder of the match appear slim.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith expressed concern over the loss of Nathan Lyon, considering it a massive blow for Australia. However, he also mentioned that Todd Murphy is a potential replacement waiting in the wings, and if Nathan Lyon fails to recover in time, Australia might turn to young spinner.

“Yeah, I haven’t been up in the sheds yet but obviously it didn’t look good. I mean it doesn’t look ideal for the rest of the game. I’m not sure how he actually is, but if he is no good, it is obviously a big loss for us,” Smith was quoted as saying by WAtoday.

“Nathan, if he is no good, would be a huge loss. However, we have Todd Murphy waiting in the wings, who has been bowling beautifully in nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity,” Smith added.

Steve Smith displayed a sensational performance, crafting a magnificent innings of 110 runs off 184 deliveries, embellished with 15 boundaries, to propel Australia to a commanding total of 416 runs. It was his 32nd Test century, and given his current form, it seems certain that he will amass even more in the ongoing series.

Speaking on his blistering knock, here’s what Smith said in the post-match conference:

“I missed out last game, so I was keen to make a few this game. “I love playing at Lord’s … it’s nice to get myself back up on the honours board again,” Smith concluded.

Smith’s magnificent century at Lord’s not only bolstered Australia’s first-innings score but also propelled him into the elite club of 32 Test hundreds, a feat shared by cricketing great Steve Waugh. Among Australians, only Ricky Ponting, who boasts 41 centuries, remains ahead of Smith.