Australia vice-captain Steve Smith says Nathan Lyon’s injury didn’t look good and the off-spinner could face time on sidelines after going down with right calf problem on day two of second Test.
“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,” Steve Smith told reporters at stumps.
“I’m not sure how he actually is. But obviously if he’s no good, it’s a big loss for us.
The 35-year-old, who is playing in his 100th consecutive Test match, pulled up lame while chasing a ball in the outfield in the final session of day two.
Lyon immediately grabbed at his right calf muscle and fell to the turf, before he was assisted off the ground by one of Australia’s medical staff.
“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.”
If Lyon is ruled out from the series Todd Murphy, who made an impressive debut against India in the Border-Gavaskar Series is the prime contender to replace Lyon in the playing XI.
“(He’s) been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity,” Smith said.
“I would be confident if he came in that he would do a terrific job for us.”
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