Top 3 Replacements for Nathan Lyon for Boxing Day Test

Australia’s Ashes campaign has been clouded by injury concerns after Nathan Lyon picked up a right hamstring problem on the final day of the Adelaide Test, leaving his availability for the rest of the series in serious doubt. The 38-year-old spinner sustained the injury while diving to stop a ball at fine leg, showing signs of discomfort as he held his hamstring and signalled for assistance from the dressing room during the AUS vs ENG 3rd Test.

Nathan Lyon injury appeared to be serious as he limped off the field shortly afterwards, making his way to the changing rooms after a brief exchange with Marnus Labuschagne. He was later seen leaving the Adelaide Oval on crutches ahead of a scan to assess the extent of the damage, but returned in time to be part of Australia’s on-field celebrations after they completed a dominant 3–0 Ashes series victory.

Lyon played a decisive role in the Test, claiming five crucial wickets overall, three of them in the second innings that helped turn the contest in Australia’s favour. Pat Cummins, who is among the best captains in the world, later admitted that Nathan Lyon Ashes experience would be extremely difficult to fulfill for the Australian team.

Top 3 Nathan Lyon Replacements for Boxing Day Test

Lyon’s absence in the fourth Test would also open up a selection dilemma for Australia. There are a few options that can be considered as Nathan Lyon replacements by the Aussie management for the Boxing Day Test of The Ashes 2025-26.

Matthew Kuhnemann

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is part of Australia’s group and is widely viewed as the next option in line behind Nathan Lyon, having toured the West Indies with the Test squad. However, his role has largely been that of a support spinner alongside Lyon in overseas, spin-friendly conditions, with all five of his Test appearances coming in India and Sri Lanka across the 2023 and 2025 tours.

Todd Murphy

Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy, who has featured in seven Tests, including two during the 2023 Ashes as a stand-in for Nathan Lyon, has impressed with his performances in Sheffield Shield cricket this season. He recently served as Australia A’s lead spinner in their match against the England Lions in Brisbane, claiming three wickets.

Corey Rocchiccioli

Western Australian off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli has emerged as one of the most effective spinners in recent Sheffield Shield seasons, using his extra height and bounce to trouble batsmen, particularly on his home deck at the WACA. He has claimed 20 wickets at an average of 28.20 and a strike rate of 53.30 this season, following a strong previous campaign in which he took 38 wickets at 27.71.

Pat Cummins Speaks on Nathan Lyon's Absence

The Aussie skipper Pat Cummins said that Lyon would be pretty close to irreplaceable, but if he misses out in Melbourne, then a few other guys will be ready to step in after an impressive domestic season. Unfortunately, Kuhnemann’s preparation has also been limited, with just two Sheffield Shield outings this season due to white-ball commitments and an injury setback, from which he has managed four wickets at an average of 36.

Off-spinner Todd Murphy might be given a chance, as he also has a strong track record at the MCG, one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world, having taken 10 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 23.70 and a strike rate of 55.80. While Australia went with an all-pace attack in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, the selectors are expected to include a specialist spinner for the Melbourne Test.