Is Nathan Lyon’s Test career over after another Ashes injury? Australian coach gives official update

Australia Head coach Andrew McDonald spoke about the veteran off-spinner Nathan LyonInjury ahead of Boxing Day Test against England in ongoing 2025-26 Ashes series. McDonald said Lyon was determined to return to the Australian cricket team after undergoing surgery for a torn hamstring.

Lyon injured his hamstring late in the day on the final day of the Adelaide Ashes Test against England. The veteran spinner was injured while stretching near the boundary with fine leg to stop a four. After receiving medical treatment, Lyon left the field with a strained hamstring and was ruled out for the remainder of the series.

He’s pretty broken – Andrew McDonald on Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon remains an important part of Australia’s plans despite concerns over his future. Andrew McDonald said the spinner was deeply disappointed but keen to bounce back.

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After undergoing surgery, Lyon is still expected to remain with the Australian team in the fourth Ashes Test, which is scheduled to begin on Friday, December 26 in Melbourne. Lyon had suffered a calf problem which ruled him out of the 2023 Ashes in England.

“He’s pretty broken,” McDonald told cricket.com.au on Tuesday evening. “He’s a big part of what we do. “He faces a long recovery time. With this type of injury, it’s going to be a difficult time for him to get back to where he was. “But he still wants to do it and that’s the main thing.”

India is on the horizon, he will be a key part of it – Andrew McDonald

Australia’s test calendar gives Nathan Lyon time to recover without rushing his return. After the last Ashes Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia will not play another series until mid-2026, when they travel to Bangladesh.

Australia are set to face New Zealand and South Africa before a demanding five-Test tour of India in early 2027, followed by the 150th anniversary Test against England. McDonald said the focus is on Lyon to complete his rehabilitation and be ready for these key assignments.

“India is on the horizon, he will be a key part of that,” McDonald said of Lyon. “We had New Zealand (and) South Africa before that. So, do that rehab and then (we’ll look) to the future.”

Nathan Lyon replaced by Todd Murphy for the last two tests

Nathan Lyon has been a key part of the Australian Test team for many years. He played 141 Tests, including 100 consecutive matches between 2013 and 2023. Australia used two spinners in some subcontinent matches, but Lyon remained the first-choice spinner at home.

Lyon also spoke about his future plans. He has repeatedly said he wants to tour India and England with Australia in 2027. By then he will be almost 40, but he still wants to continue playing.

With Lyon ruled out, Australia have chosen Todd Murphy as their main spin option for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne. The 25-year-old was chosen over Matthew Kuhnemann, Corey Rocchiccioli and Mitchell Swepson.

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