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‘Fil’, Not ‘Phil’: Lyon’s New Nickname Rings Out as Late Burst Puts Australia on Brink of Retaining Ashes

Alex Carey says the teasing moniker stems from Lyon calling himself “absolutely filthy” after being dropped.

Overview

  • Teammates repeatedly called out “Fil” and “Filthy” to Nathan Lyon on Day 4 in Adelaide, a chant some fans misheard as “Phil.”
  • Carey explained that the nickname shortens Lyon’s recent “absolutely filthy” remark and described the spinner as a much‑loved figure who takes the banter well.
  • Lyon triggered a late collapse with three wickets, removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley to swing the session Australia’s way.
  • England closed at 207 for 6 chasing 435, leaving Australia four wickets from a win that would retain the Ashes even if Day 5 rain forces a draw.
  • The nickname surfaced after Lyon was left out in Brisbane, where he publicly said he felt “absolutely filthy” about the omission.