During the match, Australia's star spinner Nathan Lyon was not included in the playing XI. On being dropped for the game, the spinner described his mood as "absolutely filthy"
Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith (Pic: File Pic)
In the second Test match of the Ashes series, Australia emerged victorious by eight wickets against England at the Gabba in Brisbane.
During the match, Australia's star spinner Nathan Lyon was not included in the playing XI. On being dropped for the game, the spinner described his mood as "absolutely filthy". This was also the first time in 13 years that the Aussies had dropped him in a home Test game.
George Bailey, who is Australia's chairman of selectors, said that the decision was just for the one Test match and the spinner will find a place in the team for the upcoming match.
Speaking on Lyon's exclusion, stand-in skipper Steve Smith said that he was dropped to strengthen the batting lineup, and there is nothing against the spinner.
"It could have gone a few different ways, and it's certainly nothing against Nathan. He's a freak. He's (Lyon) been our spinner for such a long time, but the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after," he said as quoted by Fix Sports.
The veteran batsman then said that Michael Neser is the player who keeps things tight during the match and forces batsmen to take risks.
"(Neser) offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight, and forces batters to take risks when the ball isn't as quick or is skidding. But it's nothing against Nathan. He's unbelievable and he's done it for so long," said Smith.
However, after winning the second match, the Aussies have taken a lead by 2-0 in the five-match Ashes Test series against the "Three Lions". The third Test match of the ongoing Ashes Test series is scheduled to be played from December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said he will be “good to go” for the third Ashes Test after missing the first two with a back injury in more bad news for struggling England.
The 32-year-old pace spearhead has not played since picking up the issue against the West Indies mid-year. Selectors flirted with including him for the second Test at Brisbane, but erred on the side of caution.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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