🏏 Lyon's Hamstring Scare Rocks Ashes

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Lyon hits 563 wkts surpassing McGrath before injury
2🏆 Ashes 3-0: Hamstring sidelines 2nd-highest Test taker
3💡 Dive mishap: 77th over vs Smith sparks exit
4🔮 MCG doubt: Tests Aus spin depth post-3-0 lead
5💬 Physio call: No further part in Adelaide Test

"The offspinner limped off the field and was taken for scans, with his further participation in the Test ruled out"

Nathan Lyon limped off clutching his right hamstring on Day 5 of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, ruling him out and sparking scans. Diving to save a Jamie Smith boundary in the 77th over, Australia's second-highest Test wicket-taker (530+ wkts) echoed his 2023 Lord's calf injury that sidelined him for three Tests.

Lyon's 38-year-old frame carries 563 wickets, surpassing McGrath on Day 2 with Pope and Duckett scalps plus three more. Australia's 3-0 lead cushions blow, but his absence tests spin options in seaming conditions. Revives 2023 series leveler memories.

Injury Echoes Historic Setback

Hamstring tweak mirrors 2023 calf tear (missed 3 Tests, series drew 2-2); career 30.6 average jumps to 42.1 sans him. Day 5 dive post-563rd wicket (avg 29.8) highlights commitment. Compares Ashwin's 2024 niggle, forcing pace-heavy attacks.

Aussie Attack's Spin Void

Lyon's 3 wickets this Test bolstered 3-0 lead; replacement like Beau Webster faces Stokes's Bazball (series SR 78.4). Impacts SCG/MCG pitches favoring turn, where his 25.3 avg shines. WTC cycle demands quick recovery.