Axed spinner Nathan Lyon has been praised for a moment of class during Australia’s thumping victory over England in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. The veteran off-spinner admitted on day one of the pink-ball match at the Gabba that he was “filthy” to be left out of a first home Test in 13 years as Australia opted to go with an all-out pace attack.
Lyon couldn’t hide his disappointment and appeared to question the controversial omission from selectors but said he’d do whatever he could to support his teammates. And after watching his bowling replacement Michael Neser justify his call up with a maiden five wicket haul in Test cricket on Sunday, Lyon did just that in a superb display of camaraderie.
Steve Smith explained the axing of Nathan Lyon after the spinner was praised for a classy act during Australia’s victory over England in the second Ashes Test. Pic: Getty/Seven
Neser left the ground to rapturous applause from the Gabba faithful, raising the ball aloft to signify his match-defining five-wicket haul in the second innings, that put Australia on the cusp of victory. And as Aussie cricket legend Matthew Hayden pointed out in commentary for Channel 7, Lyon was one of the first to go up and give Neser a hug as he headed back to the pavilion.
“I tell you what the amazing moment for mine was as well, was when Michael Neser came out towards the pavilion, the very first bloke that met him was Nathan Lyon, and that pretty much sums up what this cricket team is all about,” Hayden said. “We heard from him on Day 1, and the headlines right across Australia mentioned the word ‘filthy’.
Nathan Lyon was quick to congratulate Michael Neser on his five-wicket Ashes haul after being replaced by his Aussie teammate for the second Test. Pic: Getty
“There was nothing filthy about that gesture; he went straight up to Neser and (gave him) huge congratulations. That’s what it means to play for Australia, that sort of stuff. It’s the one-percenters inside the group – you may miss out yourself, but you’re always looking for your mate to go well. That’s what playing for the baggy green means.”
Lyon’s non-selection was one of the biggest talking points, with Australia’s selection chief George Bailey indicating he would return for the third Test in Adelaide. But for long stretches during England’s first innings in Brisbane, Lyon’s omission appeared to backfire as the pink ball softened and the tourists piled on the runs.
The second innings was a different story though as Neser, man-of-the-match Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland snared two wickets each on day three to leave England reeling. Neser completed his five-wicket milestone with three more scalps on Sunday to set up Australia’s eight-wicket win.
Steve Smith explains why Nathan Lyon was left out
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith admitted it was a touch-and-go proposition to leave Lyon out, but suggested Neser’s performance justified his inclusion. “I hope so,” he said. “It was tight, we could’ve gone a few different ways and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s been our spinner for a long time.”
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But Neser knows the Gabba well having played state cricket for Queensland for more than a decade. And his ability to swing the pink ball was another major advantage for the Aussie seamer. Neser also has five first-class centuries to his name and Smith admits his superior batting also factored heavily into the decision to leave Lyon out.
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon brings drinks out for Steve Smith and Cameron Green after being dropped for the second Ashes Test against England. Pic: Getty
“I think Michael offers something different,” Smith added. “We can bring the keeper up, we can bowl stump to stump, keep things tight and make you take risks when the ball’s probably not quite as quick or a little bit skiddy.
“It was a kind of similar role as to what Nathan would play, obviously not a spinner, but similar role. And obviously (he) extended our batting which we thought was going to be crucial as well.”
with AAP