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The Aussies are battling an injury setback before their two Test match series with Bangladesh. Long serving off spinner Nathan Lyon has not been declared fit yet for the series that begins with the first Test in Darwin on August 13. Lyon has spent time on the sidelines with a serious hamstring injury that occurred in December during the third Ashes test match.

His recovery is going according to plan, but the injury hasn’t had the clearance from CA just yet.

He has fitness testing he must go through before he is declared fit for national duty. Lyon is optimistic though of being able to resume his place in the side after putting in weeks of rehabilitation. I would have been too disappointed to have been part of the one- dayers, Lyon said. “It has been a lot of hard work no point to lie about that.

Lyon revealed to CODE Sport : 

"Lots of long days and so on but that has all gone as part of the process and I have not reached the point of giving this away,”

He had made an impression with his bowling in the Ashes before his injury and took 5 for 47 from 31 overs yielding an economy of 2.85. Lyon is targeting the upcoming first test against Bangladesh for his return with the Australian bowling attack having many games to prepare for after this test series that comes up.

Australia’s coach offers update on Lyon As far as Nathan’s progress goes Andrew McDonald confirmed that while things are good he is yet to be passed fit for Tests.

McDonald expressed concern forLyon being asked to perform

“Nathan is positive progress on his end, he still has a short duration to pass before being able to compete for selection, with an update expected before the tests, He seems optimistic, we will catch up for the testing in July during preparation for test selection to ascertain if he is available test demands. Lyon can still not run at “high speed running.”

He Further said : 

“The medical team still has some time to cover off for him to be passed for the tests…but this has only come about through a concern for his body following the surgery performed for him, so there will be other tests later in the year if this isn’t the match he’s selected.”

McDonald explained : 

Two other bowlers are ready to step in Australia has already secured talented young spinner Todd Murphy and slow bowler Matthew Kuhnemann as cover for Lyon. Kuhnemann has had a 22.20 average through 5 Tests taking 25 wickets while Murphy who has had seven Test wickets to 28.13 average would also be ready to step up to Test cricket should Lyon not recover in time for the first Test. Murphy is preparing to join the team in training for preparation for selection as part of the team that would be preparing for selection along with Kuhnemann. “We will be including both of those guys into the training group” 

Lyon boasts an incredible record against Bangladesh The upcoming World Test Championship cycle will also see Australia face South Africa, India and England along with the Bangladesh Tests and this places an emphasis on how each member of the bowling attack manages themselves.

Lyon does have an impressive record against Bangladesh having recorded 22 wickets in four innings of a test match against the touring side to Darwin and boasting a best in the series figures of 7 wickets at an average of just 14.31.