Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has defended the decision to drop senior spinner Nathan Lyon for the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at the Gabba in Brisbane. The veteran batsman said Michael Neser justified his selection by taking five wickets in Australia’s eight-wicket win over England.
Australia surprised many by dropping Nathan Lyon for the second Test. The selectors opted for a full pace attack, bringing in Michael Neser as an additional seam-bowling option. Lyon missed a home test for the first time since 2012. The experienced spinner admitted that he was extremely unhappy at being dropped.
Steve Smith defends Nathan Lyon’s exclusion from Gabba Test
Speaking after the match, Steve Smith said that Nathan Lyon’s exclusion had nothing to do with his ability. He explained that the team wanted a different balance for this Test, especially with the extra batting. Smith said Lyon is a top-class spinner who has served Australia over the years.
“It could have gone a few different ways, and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s a maverick. He’s been our spinner for so long, but the extra batting and the way he left the tail hanging for 50 overs gave us the balance we wanted,” Smith said.
“(Neser) offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight, and forces batsmen to take risks when the ball is not as fast or skidding. But that’s nothing against Nathan. He is unbelievable and he has done that for so long.”
Michael Neser’s five-wicket haul shows Australia can cope without Nathan Lyon
Australian quartet Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser shared 19 of England’s 20 wickets. The only dismissal not taken by any bowler was a quick run-out by Josh Inglis. Cam Green also bowled a few overs but could not take any wicket.
Alex Carey’s wicketkeeping played a big role in Australia’s success. He stood up to the stumps for Neser and Boland and prevented the England batsmen from getting out and disrupting the accuracy of the seamers.
After taking just one wicket in the first innings, Neser destroyed England’s batting by taking five wickets in the second innings. The right-arm fast bowler took five wickets for 42 runs as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
Australia faces a selection dilemma ahead of the third Test in Adelaide
Despite Australia’s victory in Brisbane, the selectors are under pressure. They will have to take tough decisions for the third Test, which is scheduled to start in Adelaide from December 17.
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are set to return, while Brendon Doggett will miss out. The most difficult decision is to decide who makes way for Lyon. Michael Neser may be left out as he was the last player added to the squad.
Scott Boland may be rested for the upcoming match, as Australia have two more Tests to play. This move will give Neser a chance to play in the playing eleven again. The selectors may retain all their main bowlers by removing Josh Inglis, but this may upset the balance of the team.
Also read: Steve Smith started a war of words with Joffra Archer after hitting him for a six.
