Lyon injury slows Australia's bid for Ashes-clinching win

Australia have suffered a potentially serious blow with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon suffering a leg injury during the fifth day's play of the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.

Lyon left the field clutching his leg shortly before lunch on Sunday, with the off-spinner favouring his right hamstring as he hobbled from the ground.

Cricket Australia revealed Lyon was receiving attention for the injury.

"Nathan Lyon is being assessed by medical staff," Cricket Australia said via a statement.

"More information will be forthcoming once fully known."

Cricket Australia later confimed that Lyon had suffered a hamstring injury and would take no further part in the Adelaide Oval contest.

The fourth Test commences in Melbourne on Boxing Day, with the series finale in Sydney from January 4.

Should Lyon be ruled out for the remainder of the series then Australia may consider fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy, left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann or uncapped tweaker Corey Rocchiccioli.

Lyon's injury was untimely for the Aussies, with Jamie Smith and Will Jacks frustrating the hosts on the final day of the third Test as England attempt to chase down 435 for an unlikely victory.

Australia started the day looking for four England wickets to open up a series-clinching 3-0 advantage, with the second new-ball due shortly and likely to play a major role in the outcome of the crucial ICC World Test Championship contest.

Ashes schedule

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8