Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon’s omission from the ongoing Gabba Ashes day-night Test has raised questions about Australia’s approach. This is his second omission in just a few Tests, which shows changes in team strategy.
After reaching the ground, Lyon was told by chair of selectors George Bailey that he would not play. Speaking on Channel 7, he described this as “Absolutely filthy”. He got to know about this during the final huddle between Steven Smith, Andrew McDonald and Bailey.
“But yeah, can’t do anything about it. So, yeah, hope I can play my role in making sure I get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure that we get the right result here,”he said.
Lyon also clarified that he had not yet spoken properly with the selectors about the decision.
“To be honest I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie [Andrew McDonald] or George yet. I’m letting things settle down in my own head and trying to make sure that I’m, as I said, doing whatever I can to make sure the guys out in the middle representing Australia do the right thing and get the right result for us,” Lyon said.
He added, “The communication is always there, I just hadn’t had it in me to sit down with the coach and George at the moment.”
Even with the disappointment, Lyon said, “I’m not the first player to miss a Test match and I won’t be the last. But, yeah, obviously pretty gutted because I know the role that I can play within Australian cricket and especially a venue like this.”
Meanwhile, England finished with 325/9 at the stumps of day one with Joe Root remained unbeaten on 135, his maiden Test ton on Australian soil.
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