Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has opened up about Nathan Lyon’s unexpected omission from the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Smith clarified that there is nothing against Lyon, and the decision was taken to strengthen their batting lineup.
Speaking after Australia’s big eight-wicket win in the second Test at Brisbane, Smith told Fox Sports, “It could have gone a few different ways, and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s a freak.”
Smith said that the selectors wanted extra batting from the lower order, stating, “He’s (Lyon) been our spinner for such a long time, but the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after.”
Selectors had already said Lyon’s omission was a “one-Test decision,” and Smith repeated the same message, saying, “nothing against Nathan. He’s unbelievable and he’s done it for so long.” Lyon, one of the finest spinners for Australia with 562 wickets, will remain a major part of Australia’s plans.
Marnus Labuschagne also hinted that selectors might recall Lyon for the third Test. In a conversation with ICC, he said, “I’m not a selector, but what I will say is the same way they (selectors) looked at this game, they looked at the game objectively and said what was the best way for us to win this game (in Brisbane) with all the information we have on pink-ball cricket.”
The third Test in Adelaide will be played from December 17, where Australia’s usual captain Pat Cummins is expected to return.
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