In a stunning selection shake-up, Australia has opted for an all-out pace attack for the crucial second Ashes Test at the Gabba, dropping champion off-spinner Nathan Lyon and resisting an early recall for captain Pat Cummins.
Neser Gets the Nod as Bold Four-Quicks Plan Revealed
The home side has turned to Queensland and pink-ball specialist Michael Neser for just his third Test cap, and his first since 2022. Neser replaces Lyon in the XI, forming a four-pronged seam attack with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett.
Neser boasts an impressive record in day-night cricket, having taken seven wickets at an average of 16.71 in his two previous pink-ball Tests, both in Adelaide. His intimate knowledge of the Gabba, having risen through Queensland's ranks, ultimately tipped the scales in his favour.
Cummins 'Close' But Risk Averted, Lyon's Stunning Omission
Despite travelling with the squad to Brisbane and bowling strongly in the nets, Pat Cummins was not risked for a premature return from injury. Captain Steve Smith confirmed the tough call, stating, "He was close, but we thought we’d not take the risk."
The decision to omit Nathan Lyon, however, is the most eye-catching. This marks only the second Test Lyon has missed in Australia in the past 15 years. His strong day-night record – 43 wickets at 25.62 – made it a monumental selection gamble by the Australian think tank.
Lyon also missed the previous pink-ball Test in Jamaica, where Australia famously skittled the West Indies for 27 in their second innings.
Ponting Labels Lyon Call 'Massive', Inglis Secures Home Debut
The dramatic move drew an immediate reaction from Channel Seven commentator and former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting. "It looks like they might have made the really tough call to leave Nathan Lyon out," Ponting said. "For someone like Nathan Lyon who is such a seasoned professional with a good record at the Gabba, I think it’s a massive call for the Aussies to make."
In other team news, Western Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will slot into the middle order, with Travis Head promoted to open in place of Usman Khawaja. This will be Inglis's first Test on Australian soil, following a century on debut in Sri Lanka and a fill-in role in the West Indies.
England, meanwhile, have brought in off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks for the injured quick Mark Wood, opting for his variety over the spare pace of Josh Tongue or Matthew Potts.
Australia's XI for the Second Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Cam Green, Alex Carey, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
England's XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
