Lyon backs Murphy to handle Ashes cauldron

Lyon backs Murphy to handle Ashes cauldron

Nathan Lyon has backed Todd Murphy to resist England’s all-out batting assault, as he prepares at hand over the mantle of Australia’s chief spinner for the primary time in a decade.

Lyon is about to fulfill with Australia’s medical employees on Sunday the place a plan shall be mapped out for his calf harm, but it surely seems virtually sure the 36-year-old’s Ashes collection is over.

Murphy would be the man to exchange Lyon for the third Test at Headingley on Thursday, as the one different spinner in Australia’s squad after impressing on his debut tour of India.

The pair have labored intently collectively in latest days, with Murphy spending Saturday afternoon choosing Lyon’s mind.

Lyon had loomed as a key participant for Australia all through the Ashes, taking eight wickets in Australia’s series-opening win at Edgbaston after England made some extent of going after him.

But when requested if Murphy would have the ability to deal with the same method from England within the Ashes after simply 12 first-class video games, Lyon mentioned he was in little question.

“His stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin,” Lyon mentioned.

“It will be a different challenge with the England batters.

“If they do come at him, it gives Todd with a good problem. But an opportunity to go away his footmarks right here in England. It is a giant Ashes collection, he’s excited by the chance.”

Lyon likely provided his last on-field act for the tour on Saturday, hopping onto the field at Lord’s and batting with one injury-free leg at No.11 to help Australia set England 371 for victory in the second Test.

The spinner does not yet know if he will remain in England for the remainder of the Ashes, or fly home for rehab there if ruled out of the series.

But the veteran stressed he would be on hand to guide the 22-year-old Murphy if required.

“I sat with Todd within the final session there and spoke about spin bowling as we do. I’ve lots of confidence in Todd. He is a superb child. He is keen to be taught alongside the way in which,” Lyon mentioned.

“I’ve informed him my cellphone is at all times on, it would not matter if I’m sitting within the changeroom with him or I’m sitting at house watching it in mattress.”

Lyon said he was gutted by the prospect of missing the rest of the series after 100 straight Tests, but was adamant it would not be the end of his Test career.

The Headingley Test will be the first one Lyon will miss since Lord’s 2013.

“I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate with accidents. I’ve been round since August 2011 and we have had 126 Test matches and I’ve performed 122 of them,” Lyon mentioned.

“This is just a bit velocity bump within the street. This is not career-defining. I’m hungrier than ever to get again on the market.”

Source: www.perthnow.com.au