The cricket world has rallied around Nathan Lyon, sharing his shock and disappointment about being dropped from the Australian XI for the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane. A stunning maiden Test century on Australian shores for Joe Root and his 61-run partnership with tail-ender Jofra Archer helped England take the upper hand on the opening day at the Gabba as the visitors made it to stumps on 9-325.
Mitchell Starc (6-71) was once again the pick of the Aussie bowlers and got the hosts off to a flying start after England won the toss and chose to bat. Starc removed both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks in the space of a few balls to leave England 2-5 in the third over. The Aussie quick also dismissed the dangerous Harry Brook (31) and ran through England’s lower order to put Australia in a strong position until England’s late resistance swung the day-night contest back in their favour.
Veteran Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon was gutted after being interviewed on Thursday night about his controversial axing for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Pic: Getty/Seven
But it was the omission of Lyon that was the biggest talking point on day one, and continued to be so after stumps. Speaking to Channel 7’s Mel McLaughlin late in the evening session, Lyon admitted he was “filthy” with the decision from coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey to leave him out of the Aussie XI.
It marks only the second time since Lyon’s Test debut in 2011 that he has been overlooked for a home Test, and the first time since 2012. Lyon only learned of the selectors’ decision to go in with an all-pace attack an hour before the coin toss on Thursday. And he admitted later that night that he still hadn’t been able to bring himself to speak with the Aussie brains trust about his controversial axing.
Nathan Lyon was ‘filthy’ about being dropped for a home Test match for the first time since 2012. Pic: Getty
“(I was) absolutely filthy,” Lyon told Channel 7 about his axing. “But I can’t do anything about, so I’m just trying to make sure I can play my role in making sure I can get the guys ready.
“I haven’t really sat down with ‘Ronny’ (McDonald) or George yet. When things settle down in my own head (I will). I’m not the first player to miss a Test match and I won’t be the last.
“But obviously I’m pretty gutted, because I know the role that I can play within Australian cricket, especially at a venue like this. I’m extremely disappointed, but I’ll do whatever to make sure these guys (the Australian team) are right.”
Chief Aussie selector explains Nathan Lyon axing
Aussie selection chief Bailey took the unusual step of explaining the shock decision to drop Lyon and understood the Aussie veteran didn’t agree with it, but insisted the spinner would return for the third Test. “Very much it’s a one-Test decision. Nath will play in Adelaide,” Bailey said.
“It’s just how you think you’re going to structure up the resources and how it’s going to be used when it gets dark, when you think you’re going to be using seam bowlers, how many bowlers get used in a day, when you think the new ball is going to be available, that sort of stuff.”
A host of Aussie cricket legends including former captain Allan Border said it was the wrong decision to leave Lyon out though. And England opener Zak Crawley – who made an impressive 76 with the bat – said the point of difference Lyon offers from the seamers and the softening of the pink ball made his omission even more surprising.
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“I can’t remember the last time other than in the West Indies recently that they haven’t played him, so we were surprised,” Crawley said. “I suppose there was some rhythm I could get in with the four seamers playing. It definitely got easier as the game wore on. I don’t know if that was the ball or picking up the rhythm of the pitch. After about 10 or 15 overs it seemed to do a lot less.”
with AAP