Nathan Lyon has spoken to Channel Seven’s Mel McLaughlin on the edge of play about being dropped – very tough interview on both counts and it got awkward at times with Lyon not mincing his words.
McLaughlin: “How was the conversation with selection chair George Bailey?”
Lyon: “Short”.
McLaughlin: “Like this one?”
Lyon: ”Yeah, absolutely filthy, but I can’t do anything about it. I just hope I can play my role in making sure I get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure we get the right result here.”
Not a happy camper: Nathan Lyon.Credit: Getty Images
Lyon found out about his demotion 90 minutes or so before play and upon inspecting the pitch, figured he could do some damage on the Gabba wicket he’s performed well on throughout his career.
When McLaughlin asked how being left out twice in three Tests and barely bowling in Perth had him feeling, Lyon just gave a bemused ‘how do you think it feels’ look, before downplaying an issue of communication with the Australian selectors.
“Communication is always there,” he said.
“I just haven’t had it in me to go and sit down with the coach and George at the moment, so that will happen.
“I’m not the first player to miss a match and I won’t be the last. 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 as I said, I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure these guys are up”.