If called upon for the World Cup, Nathan Lyon is ready

The second Ashes Test at Lords in late June saw Australia's greatest-ever Test off-spinner, Lyon, suffer a significant calf strain; he hasn't played since. The 35-year-old started a protracted recuperation time but has now picked up bowling. On October 14, he will return to the field in premier cricket. He hopes to return to the NSW lineup against Adelaide in the Marsh Cup game on October 20 and finally put a trying four months behind him.

Late last month, Ashton Agar withdrew due to a calf injury from Australia's World Cup roster, leaving Adam Zampa as the lone specialist tweaker for the event in spin-friendly India. Another option for a spinner is the batter Glenn Maxwell, as well as Travis Head if he is able to heal from a shattered hand in time. In the event that Australia needed a deeper spin rotation due to more injuries, Lyon would be eager to be considered for a call-up.