Australia made a surprise selection call for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, leaving out veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the first time in a home Test since 2012. The 38-year-old, Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, was omitted as the hosts opted for an all-pace attack for the day-night pink-ball match in Brisbane.
The decision drew widespread reaction, with Cricket Australia’s own website calling it a “bombshell”.
Why was Lyon dropped?
Stand-in captain Steve Smith explained that conditions and the pink ball heavily influenced the call. Australia believe the pink ball will offer significant assistance to fast bowlers, especially under lights, making a four-seam attack their preferred route to taking 20 wickets.
Smith said:
“With the pink ball, we think it’s going to offer quite a bit, particularly later on under lights… we thought this was the best attack for this fixture.”
This led to Michael Neser receiving his third Test cap, with his previous two appearances also coming in day-night matches. Neser’s selection also lengthens Australia’s batting at No. 8, and the Gabba is his home ground.
Pat Cummins also missing
Despite speculation of a late return, Australia remain without captain Pat Cummins, who continues to recover from a back issue. Smith noted Cummins was “close” but playing him carried unnecessary risk.
Why the change is surprising
Only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have more Test wickets for Australia than Lyon. He needs just two more wickets to surpass McGrath’s tally of 562. Lyon has also traditionally been highly effective at the Gabba.
Former England spinner Alex Hartley expressed disbelief at the omission, noting Lyon’s value on a surface where the pink ball often softens quickly.
The last time Lyon missed a home Test was 13 years ago, against India at the WACA in 2012. He had since played 71 consecutive home Tests.
Lyon was also dropped for the pink-ball Test against West Indies in Jamaica earlier this year — a move he admitted left him “disappointed”.
Australia’s XI changes
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In: Michael Neser, Josh Inglis
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Out: Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja (injured)
Travis Head continues as opener, while Inglis slots in at No. 7.
England’s position
England confirmed their XI earlier, bringing in Will Jacks for injured Mark Wood. They have not won at the Gabba since 1986, nor have they won any of their three previous pink-ball Tests in Australia.
