Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has expressed his astonishment at the national team's decision to drop veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the crucial second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba.
Ponting and Katich stunned by selection shock
Speaking on Channel Seven's broadcast, Ponting described the move to omit the country's greatest ever off-spinner as a "massive call" by the Australian selectors. This dramatic decision comes after Lyon bowled just two overs during the first Test of the series in Perth.
Ponting acknowledged the logic behind picking Queensland seamer Michael Neser on his home ground, but emphasised the weight of leaving out such an experienced campaigner. "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," Ponting stated.
His commentary colleague and former Test teammate, Simon Katich, said he was "shocked" by the omission. Katich pointed to the Gabba pitch, which appeared to be a good batting surface, suggesting a spinner would be vital as the ball aged. "We know England like to play an aggressive style of game, so you need to change the tempo of the innings and the tempo of your bowling," Katich explained.
A historic home omission for the GOAT
This selection marks a significant moment in Lyon's storied career. It is the first time he has been overlooked for a home Test match since 2012, underlining the seismic nature of the selectors' gamble. While Lyon was also left out of a pink-ball Test during Australia's tour of the West Indies in July, his absence on home soil is unprecedented in over a decade.
The decision to favour an all-seam attack, including Neser, revolves around the conditions expected for the day-night Test with the pink ball at the Gabba. However, the move is not without its high-profile detractors.
Finch warns of potential tactical regret
Adding to the chorus of concern, former Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch suggested the team might live to regret not having a specialist spinner in their XI. Finch highlighted Lyon's proven ability to be an attacking threat, even in conditions that favour seam bowling.
"With the pink ball, you never know how it's going to react on a surface," Finch told Channel Seven. "Nathan Lyon’s record at The Gabba, at Perth, when he gets extra bounce, he is somebody who is not a defensive option, he still finds a way to attack, even when all the conditions are not in his favour."
The selection drama sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Brisbane, with Australia's brave—or reckless—call set to be scrutinised from the first ball bowled under lights.
