Calf tear rules Australia's Nathan Lyon out of remaining Ashes Tests

Back-up spinner Todd Murphy is next in line, while Matthew Renshaw has been released from the group. Michael Neser stays on to provide extra cover for the seam-bowling unit

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Australia spinner Nathan Lyon will miss the remaining three Ashes Tests after being ruled out with a calf tear.

The off-spinner suffered the blow while fielding on day two of the 43-run victory at Lord's, his 100th consecutive Test appearance - the only bowler to complete such a streak.

He didn't bowl again in the match and though he came out to bat in Australia's second innings his participation in the summer is over.

Todd Murphy, who played all four Tests in India, is the backup spinner and is in line to play in the third Test at Headingley. The 22-year-old claimed 14 wickets at 25.21 but faces being the frontline spinner for the first time.

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Lyon returned to the field to bat valiantly in Australia's second innings (Ryan Pierce/Getty Images)

He has major shoes to fill. The 35-year-old Lyon has 496 Test wickets in 122 matches, has been a staple of the Australian side for the last 10 years and won the World Test Championship last month.

Lyon is backing his fellow off-spinner to cope in the Ashes pressure cooker.

"His stock ball is good enough in international cricket. We have seen that in India in arguably the hardest place to bowl spin," he said.

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

"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."

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Murphy (right) now has the task of filling Lyon's shoes for the remaining three Tests (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

He added: "I sat with Todd in the last session there (on day four) and spoke about spin bowling as we do. I have a lot of confidence in Todd. He is a great kid. He is willing to learn along the way.

"I have told him my phone is always on, it doesn't matter if I am sitting in the changeroom with him or I am sitting at home watching it in bed."

Matthew Renshaw has been released from Australia's squad for the third Test, but will remain in the United Kingdom in the event injury strikes one of the top order. Michael Neser remains part of a 16-strong group heading to Leeds, with Jimmy Peirson the backup wicketkeeper in the absence of Josh Inglis.

Leading 2-0 in the five-Test series, England and Australia renew hostilities at Headingley from Thursday (July 6).


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