ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Nathan Lyon Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test? Check AUS Playing 11

Australia’s premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon will not be available for selection in the fifth and final Test match of the Ashes 2023 against England being played at the Kennington Oval in London. After having won the opening two Test matches and the fourth Test ending in a draw due to rain intervention, Australia have once again managed to retain the Ashes ‘Urn’ and are also leading the five-match Test series by 2-1 margin. However, the Aussies will now be aiming to win their first-ever Ashes Test series in England since 2001.

Why is Nathan Lyon Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test?

Australia will once again be taking the field without their senior spinner Nathan Lyon in the playing XI for the ENG vs AUS 5th Test Ashes 2023. In a significant blow to the Australian cricket team, the senior off-spinner from Down Under had been declared unfit for the remaining matches of the Ashes 2023 five-match Test series due to a calf injury. The unfortunate incident occurred on the second day of the second Test match, where Lyon sustained a calf tear while fielding, rendering him unable to bowl for the rest of the game. However, displaying incredible determination, he courageously took to the field to bat during the team’s second innings. Lyon’s exceptional prowess as an Australian off-spinner was evident when he achieved an impressive feat of claiming 8 wickets in the opening Test match held at Edgbaston.

In his absence, Australia played young off-spinner Todd Murphy in the Headingley Test match where he hardly bowled much of overs. On the other hand, the visitors went ahead with an all-pace attack during the fourth Test against England, but they are likely to bring back Murphy for the final Test as the Oval wicket normally tends to assist the spinners.

AUS Playing 11

1. David Warner
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (C)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Todd Murphy
11. Josh Hazlewood

Australia squad for Ashes 2023 5th Test

Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.