Nathan Lyon Dropped from Second Ashes Test, Calls Decision ‘Absolutely Filthy’

Nathan Lyon revealed that he felt “absolutely filthy” after being told just before the match that he had been dropped for the second Ashes Test as Australia switched to an all-pace attack.

Australia’s senior off-spinner Nathan Lyon admitted he felt deeply disappointed after learning he was dropped from the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. He reached the venue at 12 p.m. but was informed within 30 minutes that he had been left out as Australia chose an all-pace attack.

The team brought in Michael Neser for Lyon and Josh Inglis for the injured Usman Khawaja. Neser joined Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett and all-rounder Cameron Green in a pace-heavy line-up. Selection chief George Bailey described the move as a one-Test decision.

“Absolutely filthy, but yeah, can’t do anything about it. 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,” Lyon said to Channel 7.

Lyon Yet to Discuss Omission with Team Management

Nathan Lyon added that he has not yet discussed the reasons for his omission with coach Andrew McDonald or selector George Bailey. He noted that he wanted time to process the decision. The off-spinner has an impressive record at the Gabba with 52 wickets. Lyon admitted he finds it hard to watch from the sidelines and will speak with the staff when ready.

“To be honest, I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie 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,” he said.

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“It’s no secret it’s a place where I absolutely love playing cricket. I feel like I’ve got a decent record here, get a lot of bounce there. I felt like the wicket was going to offer a bit of bounce for myself, but I’d like to see what Jacks does,” Lyon continued.

“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. Especially at a venue like this. Extremely disappointed. But I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure these guys are up,” the off-spinner concluded.