Australia captain Pat Cummins and star spinner Nathan Lyon are unlikely to feature in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne following Australia’s series-sealing victory in Adelaide. Both players’ fitness remains in doubt as the hosts aim to maintain their dominant run against England.
Nathan Lyon Suffers Hamstring Injury
During the fifth day of the third Test in Adelaide, Nathan Lyon, 38, injured his hamstring while fielding. Despite the setback, Australia secured a decisive series win. Lyon immediately left the field and returned on crutches for the post-match celebrations.
Cummins expressed concern over Lyon’s condition:
“It doesn’t look great. I don’t know yet, but seeing someone on crutches doesn’t really bode well for a Test a week away.”
Lyon, Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, had an outstanding performance in Adelaide, taking two wickets in the first innings and three in the second. His absence for the fourth Test would force Australia to consider an inexperienced spinner to fill the void, potentially impacting their chances of a 5-0 series whitewash.
Pat Cummins Likely to Rest in Melbourne
Cummins, 32, returned to the lineup for Adelaide after missing the first two Tests with a back injury. He excelled with the ball, taking three wickets in each innings, including dismissing England captain Joe Root twice.
With the Ashes series already won, Cummins indicated he may sit out the Melbourne Test to manage his fitness:
“We’ll work it out over the next couple of days. I doubt I’ll be playing Melbourne, then we’ll have a chat about Sydney.”
If Cummins rests, Steve Smith is expected to take over the captaincy. Smith missed the Adelaide Test due to illness but is likely to be fit for Melbourne.
Series Outlook and Whitewash Possibility
Australia have now sealed the Ashes series, but they could aim for a perfect 5-0 scoreline if Lyon and Cummins recover. Cummins highlighted the importance of Lyon in controlling the innings and taking breakthroughs:
“Gaz is pretty close to irreplaceable – the ability to take breakthroughs, but also control an innings is really important.”
While a series whitewash would be remarkable, Cummins emphasized the primary goal remains winning the Ashes:
“I’ll take 3-0. I’ll take 3-2. The goal is to win the Ashes. You don’t go into a Test not wanting to win, so we’ll go to Melbourne desperate to win that one, then Sydney.”
Key Dates for the Remaining Ashes Tests
- Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, 26 December (23:30 GMT, 25 December local)
- Fifth Test: Sydney, 31 December (exact time TBC)
Australia’s management and medical team will monitor both Cummins and Lyon closely over the coming days to decide on their participation in Melbourne, which could influence team selection and strategy.
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