Australia announce changes to their squad ahead of 3rd Test in Ashes 2023

Australia have announced a few changes in their Test squad ahead of the third Test of the ongoing Ashes series in England. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the series after he sustained a significant “calf tear.” Lyon got injured while fielding on Day 2 of the second Test at Lords which made him hobble off the field and didn’t bowl or field again.

However, in an act of bravado, inured Lyon trudged towards the middle as the last man after Australia lost their ninth wicket for 264 on Day 4. Batting on one leg, Lyon added valuable 15 runs to Mitchell Starc before Australia were bowled out for 279 runs in the second innings giving England a target of 471 runs. The visitors won the game by 43 runs taking a lead of 2-0 in a five-match series.

‘His stock ball is good enough in international cricket’ – Nathan Lyon about Todd Murphy

As Australia are not naming any replacement for Lyon, he is set to be replaced by Todd Murphy for the rest of the series. With this, Murphy has a chance to make his Ashes debut at Leeds. The 22-year-old impressed everyone on his Test debut during India tour where he scalped 14 wickets in four matches. Lyon also backed Murhpy to perform well in England.

“His stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin,” Lyon was quoted as saying by News18.com

“It will be a different challenge with the England batters. If they do come at him, it provides Todd with a decent challenge. But a chance to leave his footmarks here in England. It is a big Ashes series, he is excited by the opportunity” he further added.

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