In a seismic selection shock that has reverberated through the cricketing community, Australia has dropped veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon from their lineup for the second Ashes Test against England at Brisbane’s Gabba. This marks the first time since January 2012 that Lyon has been excluded from a home Test squad, ending his remarkable streak of 71 consecutive appearances on Australian soil.
The decision forms part of a radical strategic shift as the hosts prepare for the day-night encounter under lights. Instead of their premier spinner, Australia has opted for an all-seam attack, bringing in pace bowler Michael Neser for his third Test cap. Captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined with a back injury, with Steve Smith continuing to lead the side in his absence.
Smith explained the tactical reasoning behind the controversial move: “With the pink ball, we anticipate significant movement, particularly during the evening session. Our analysis suggested that a specialized seam attack gives us the optimal chance to take twenty wickets in these specific conditions.”
The exclusion carries particular significance given Lyon’s legendary status in Australian cricket. With 560 Test wickets, he stands as the country’s third-highest wicket-taker behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The 38-year-old needs just two more scalps to surpass McGrath’s tally of 562.
Cricket analysts expressed surprise at the decision, noting Lyon’s impressive record at the Gabba. Former England spinner Alex Hartley commented: “This is genuinely surprising given Lyon’s historical performance here and how quickly the pink ball tends to lose its hardness. You’d typically want a specialist spinner to control the game during those middle phases.”
The selection continues a recent pattern for Lyon, who was also omitted from Australia’s day-night Test against West Indies in Jamaica last July. At the time, Lyon expressed his disappointment, stating: “I believe I can contribute in any conditions. Every cricketer should maintain that self-belief.”
Meanwhile, England won the toss and elected to bat first—marking the first time they have batted initially in a day-night Test in Australia. The visitors made one forced change, bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks to replace injured quick Mark Wood.
England face formidable historical challenges at the Gabba, where they haven’t recorded a victory since 1986 and have lost all three of their previous pink-ball encounters in Australia.