Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon opened up about being left out of Australia’s playing XI for the second Ashes Test, which began at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday, December 4. Lyon, who had not missed a home Test since 2012, admitted he was “gutted” when selector George Bailey told him of the decision.
Despite winning the first Test, Australia made two changes for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba. Michael Neser came in place of Lyon and Josh Inglis came in place of injured Usman Khawaja. Australia went with a complete pace attack in Brisbane with Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett and Cameron Green.
Questions raised over Nathan Lyon’s exclusion from Gabba Test, George Bailey reacts
Nathan Lyon has been left out of a domestic Test team for the first time since 2012. Lyon has an excellent record at the Gabba and his performance with the pink ball is good. However, he was ignored for the second consecutive day-night Test, as he missed the West Indies match in July.
Lyon is Australia’s third highest Test wicket taker. He is second in the all-time list in terms of wickets taken in day-night tests. However, he could not secure a place in the XI for the ongoing pink-ball matches.
Selector George Bailey clarified the decision on the very first day, saying that it was a sole decision taken based on the circumstances and team balance. He confirmed that Lyon would return to Adelaide and explained that the move was specific to this Test.
“It’s very much a Test decision – Nath will play in Adelaide. It’s about how you structure the resources and how they will be used in different situations,” Bailey said.
Absolutely Dirty, But Can’t Do Anything About It – Nathan Lyon
During an interview with Channel 7 during the first day’s play of the Brisbane Test, Nathan Lyon expressed his disappointment. The 38-year-old spinner revealed that he came to know about his omission about half an hour after reaching the ground.
Lyon, who went wicketless in the series opener in Perth, admitted he was “absolutely gutted” when chief selector George Bailey told him of the decision. He admitted that there was nothing he could do except accept the call and move on.
“Yes, I found out, I come to the ground, as I always do, very early, around 12 o’clock, and I found out around 12.30. Absolutely dirty. But yes, can’t do anything about it,” Lyon said,
Nathan Lyon talks about his miss
He tells us about his day, what he’s feeling right now, and a conversation he had with the Australian Brain Trust…#ash pic.twitter.com/usdO45gShZ
– 7cricket (@7cricket) 4 December 2025
I hope I can play my part in ensuring that… – Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon admitted that he has not yet discussed his appointment with head coach Andrew McDonald or chief selector George Bailey. Lyon said he was committed to supporting the team.
“So, yes, I hope I can do my part to make sure I can prepare people and do whatever I can to make sure we get the right result here,” Lyon said.
“To be honest, I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie (Andrew MacDonald) or George yet. I’m letting things settle in my mind and trying to make sure, as I said, I’m doing everything I can to make sure the guys in the middle representing Australia do the right thing and get the right result for us.”
Also read: Alex Hartley called Harry Brook on-air “fu****g idiot” during Gabba test, controversy erupted in Ashes
