Former Australian coach Justin Langer has thrown his full support behind captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, declaring both must be selected for the crucial day-night Ashes Test in Adelaide. Langer's comments come as the national selection panel faces its first major puzzle of the summer following a comprehensive victory in the first Test at the Gabba.
The Non-Negotiables: Cummins and Lyon's Crucial Roles
In a firm endorsement of the team's established leaders, Langer dismissed any notion of resting players for the pink-ball fixture. He emphasised that Pat Cummins, despite the physical demands of captaincy and fast bowling, is an automatic pick. Langer pointed to Cummins's exceptional fitness record and his importance as both a wicket-taker and a tactical leader.
Similarly, Langer was adamant about the role of Nathan Lyon. The off-spinner, who is just four wickets shy of 400 Test scalps, is seen as indispensable even in conditions traditionally favouring seam bowlers. Langer argued that Lyon's ability to create pressure and his experience with the pink ball at the Adelaide Oval make him a vital component of the attack, especially for breaking partnerships.
The Selection Conundrum: Jhye Richardson's Claim
The main selection headache stems from the impressive performance of paceman Jhye Richardson in Brisbane, where he took a five-wicket haul. With only a four-day turnaround between Tests, managing the fast bowlers' workloads is a genuine concern. This has sparked debate about whether a frontline quick like Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, or Mitchell Starc should be rotated out.
However, Langer's view is clear: you pick your best team for every Ashes Test. He acknowledged Richardson's brilliant form but suggested that the balance of the side and the specific challenges of a day-night Test at Adelaide should take precedence. The prospect of a four-pronged pace attack, potentially including all-rounder Cameron Green, and omitting Lyon was firmly rejected in his analysis.
Looking Ahead to the Adelaide Battle
The second Ashes Test is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 16, at the Adelaide Oval. Australia will be aiming to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, while England is desperate to level the contest. Langer's insights highlight the high-stakes nature of Ashes selection, where short-term rotation policies are often set aside for the intensity of cricket's oldest rivalry.
Ultimately, the decision rests with selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, alongside captain Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. But the powerful argument from a former coach who knows the players intimately adds significant weight to the discussion. All signs now point to an unchanged Australian bowling attack taking the field under the Adelaide lights.
