Nathan Lyon hobbles into Lord’s on CRUTCHES as Australia faces nervous wait over Ashes star

Nathan Lyon arrived at Lord’s on crutches on Friday morning in a concerning sign for Australia.

The spin bowler, 35, hobbled off in distress on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test on Thursday, with Cricket Australia later confirming he had sustained an injury to his right calf.

The severity of the injury is not yet known, but Lyon was seen sporting crutches to assist him as he arrived at the Home of Cricket on Friday, as Australia collectively holds its breath over his fitness.

Lyon was playing his 100th consecutive Test match for his country this week and his ability to control the bowling attack and hold down an end has proved crucial for the Aussies in years gone by.

His influence was further highlighted at Edgbaston last week when his masterful bowling helped contain Bazball, while he helped hit the winning runs with captain Pat Cummins.

The veteran spinner was forced off with a right calf injury during Day 2 in London

Australia may have to wait some time to determine the full extent of Lyon’s injury, given he was yet to be booked in for scans on Thursday evening.

But in a series already full of comparisons to the brilliant 2005 Ashes, the fear for Australia would already be that this is their Glenn McGrath moment.

McGrath’s rolled ankle turned the series after he trod on an errant ball before play on day one at Edgbaston, allowing England to fight back after a big first Test loss.

The ramifications of Lyon’s right calf injury at Lord’s could also be monumental.

Travis Head and Steve Smith shared overs on Thursday evening, but neither will pose the same threat as Lyon in the fourth innings of this match.

‘It’s not ideal, particularly your spin bowler,’ Smith said.

The severity of the injury remains unclear in what could be a huge blow for Australia

‘It’s a (one-person) role. Batters I suppose there’s loads of us around so it’s a bit different. Obviously Nathan, if he’s no good, he’d be a huge loss.

‘However Todd Murphy is waiting in the wings. He has been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity as well.

‘I’d be confident if he came in he’d do a terrific job for us, but fingers crossed Nathan’s alright.’