Shortly before play on Day 4, Steve Smith has opened up about the tough call to overlook Nathan Lyon for this Test.
“I think the way that Neser in particular batted at 8 with the rest of the tail last night, was outstanding, so we certainly wanted a little bit more batting,” Smith told Seven.
“We thought this wicket and the pink ball, having the opportunity to have five seamers with (Green) as well gave us the opportunity to take 20 wickets.
And we felt like against this batting line up we have the bowlers in the sheds to take 20 wickets. Extending that batting slightly I think has held us in good stead for the game so far, but we’ve still got to finish it off.”
Nathan Lyon passing drinks to Steve Smith during the Gabba Test. Credit: Getty Images