Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith stepped in to calm the growing debate around Nathan Lyon’s omission from the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, stressing that the call was purely tactical and in no way a reflection on the veteran spinner. Lyon, who hasn’t been dropped in a home Test for 13 years, admitted he was “absolutely filthy” about the decision. However, chairman of selectors George Bailey clarified that the move was a “one-Test decision,” assuring that the 38-year-old would return to the XI for the third Test in Adelaide.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Steve Smith emphasised the difficulty of the decision. “It could have gone a few different ways, and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s a freak,” he said, underlining the respect Lyon still commands within the team.

Australia went on to defeat England by eight wickets in Brisbane, taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the five-match Ashes series. Smith explained that the team was seeking additional depth with both bat and ball, something that ultimately shaped their selection.

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“He’s 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 added.

The decision paid off handsomely. Tailenders Michael Neser (16) and Brendan Doggett (13) chipped in with useful runs, while Mitchell Starc smashed a brilliant 77, helping Australia push the first-innings total to a massive 511. Neser then backed it up with a stellar five-wicket haul in the second innings, sealing Australia’s dominant win.

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Smith praised Neser’s versatility, noting how his skiddy pace and accuracy added a different dimension. He reiterated that Lyon’s absence was purely strategic, not performance-related. With 562 Test wickets, Lyon remains Australia’s second-most successful spinner behind the iconic Shane Warne.