Nathan Lyon's participation in the Ashes series beyond the second Test is highly doubtful | England vs Australia, 2nd Test, Ashes 2023

After Australia said the off-spinner had sustained a "significant strain" to his calf that will require a "period of rehabilitation," Nathan Lyon's participation in the Ashes series beyond the second Test is highly doubtful.

After arriving at the stadium on crutches and donning a white compression sock on his right calf, a sombre Lyon joined teammates outside in the middle of Lord's for their pre-play address but was unable to take the pitch that morning.

Though Australia could still use him to bat in this game after Thursday night's medical tests revealed the injury, the 36-year-old's chances of bowling for the remainder of the series seem slim.

After an excellent debut international tour in India earlier this year, Lyon spent time on Friday morning speaking with Todd Murphy, his back-up spin bowler, who now appears to be a near-certain to play in next week's Headingley Test.