NATHAN LYON fought back tears as he limped off with a calf injury in a massive blow to Australia.
The incident occurred as England stormed to 184-1 on day two of the second Ashes Test.
The hosts were pegged back and finished on 278-4, 138 runs behind the Aussies.
And they did that without dangerman Lyon, who pulled up while chasing a hit from Ben Duckett.
The off-spinner, playing in his 100th consecutive Test, hobbled to the side of the pitch before being treated by a physio.
But Lyon was unable to continue as he limped around Lord’s towards the Aussie pavilion.
His injury is a huge blow to his side, with Lyon playing a key role in the First Test victory at Edgbaston.
And his setback evoked memories of Glenn McGrath’s injury in the 2005 Ashes series.
The star stood on a stray ball, rupturing ligaments and damaging bone in his ankle while warming up before the second Test.
Australia had cruised to victory in the first Test, with McGrath playing a key role.
And his absence eventually saw England narrowly secure the Ashes for the first time in 18 years.
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Home fans drew parallels between Lyon’s injury and McGrath’s setback.
One said: “People keep comparing this series to 2005 and is that serious-looking injury to Nathan Lyon the Glenn McGrath treading on a ball moment of this summer?”
Another declared: “We saw the 2005 Ashes series turn on Glenn McGrath’s ankle. Could the 2023 series have turned on Nathan Lyon’s calf?
“Haven’t ever seen him in such physical or emotional distress. The bitter irony of it happening in his 100th consecutive Test.”
One added: “Glenn McGrath at Lords in 2005 Nathan Lyon at Lords in 2023? Could that be another series defining injury?”
