Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon hopes to bounce back after hamstring surgery

Australia’s Ashes campaign has been hit by a significant blow with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon sidelined following hamstring surgery, but the 38-year-old remains determined to fight his way back. Lyon’s injury has not only forced a change in Australia’s plans for the fourth Test but also accelerated discussions around succession in the spin department.

Lyon suffered a serious tear to his right hamstring while diving to save a boundary on the final day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the series, with Australia confirming he underwent surgery earlier this week. Coach Andrew McDonald opened up about the setback, describing Lyon as pretty shattered, while stressing that speculation about the end of his Test career was too soon.

“He’s pretty shattered. He’s a huge part of what we do. He’s facing a long recovery timeframe. That type of injury, is going to be a hard period for him to get back to where he was. But he still wants to do it and that’s the main thing,” McDonald told cricket.com.au.

India’s on the horizon, he’ll be a key part of that: McDonald

This is Lyon’s second major injury in two years, after a calf issue forced him out of the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s. Medical timelines state he will be sidelined for at least three to four months. Despite the long road to recovery, McDonald revealed that the off-spinner is still an important part of Australia’s long-term planning, particularly with a demanding Test schedule soon.

Notably, Australia does not play another Test until mid-2026, when they host Bangladesh, before entering a cycle that includes series against New Zealand and South Africa, a five-Test tour of India in early 2027, and the 150th anniversary Test against England.

“India’s on the horizon, he’ll be a key part of that. We’ve got New Zealand (and) South Africa before that. So, get through this rehab and then (we’ll) look forward,” he added.

Cricket Australia announced its squad for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, with Todd Murphy named as the primary spin option. The 25-year-old edged out Matthew Kuhnemann, Corey Rocchiccioli, and Mitchell Swepson. Murphy, who played in the 2023 Ashes and has since bounced back from a shoulder injury, is seen as capable of complementing Australia’s pace-heavy attack.

However, selectors are still weighing whether to play a specialist spinner at the MCG, depending on pitch conditions. Jhye Richardson was also included in the squad, while Pat Cummins and Lyon were ruled out due to management and injury, respectively.