Headingley: Australia will put their faith in inexperienced spinner Todd Murphy for the remainder of the Ashes following news that veteran tweaker Nathan Lyon will miss the remainder of the series with his calf issue.
Lyon suffered a 'significant calf tear' while fielding on day two of the recently completed second Test against England at Lord's and the 35-year-old has now been ruled out for the final three Tests in the series.
Australia, who hold a commanding 2-0 series lead following the 43-run triumph in London, resisted the urge to call up another spinner as Lyon's replacement and will instead give Murphy the opportunity to add to his four-Test career and show his prowess as the No.1 slow bowler in the side, the ICC reported.
Murphy took 14 wickets at an average of 25.21 during the recent Border-Gavaskar series against India and Lyon believes he is capable of replicating those impressive efforts 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 said.
"It will be a different challenge with the England batters," he said.
"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," Lyon said.
Lyon is one of two players omitted from Australia's squad for the remaining three Ashes Tests, with back-up batter Matthew Renshaw also released from an updated 16-player squad.
Renshaw will remain in England and may still be utilised if a short-term injury arises within the Australia camp, while back-up seamer Michael Neser and reserve keeper Jimmy Peirson also
remain with the squad.
The third Test commences in Headingley on Thursday, with Australia requiring a win or a draw to retain the urn they have held over England since the start of 2018.
Australia squad for remaining Ashes Tests: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner. (UNI)
