One of the greatest off-spinner from Australia, Nathan Lyon has revealed that he was feeling “Absolutely Filthy” after being told he wouldn’t be in the playing XI.
Speaking to Channel 7 during the game Nathan Lyon said “Absolutely filthy, but yeah, can’t do anything about it,”
“Hope I can play my role in making sure I get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure that we get the right result here.” Lyon added
When asked about whether he spoke to Bailey and Australian coach McDonald, Nathan Lyon said that he will have a chat with them later and he added “I’m not the first player to miss a Test match and I won’t be the last, but obviously I’m pretty gutted, because I know the role that I can play within Australian cricket, especially at a venue like this.
When chief selector George Bailey was asked about the decision he said “Nathan will disagree with the decision, and that’s perfectly OK. I think he disagreed with the decision in Jamaica, and that was perfectly OK”
This is first Test in Australia Lyon has missed since 2012 and he was replaced by Micheal Neser for this game.
The move to drop the spinner immediately raised eyebrows from expert commentators.
“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,” Ricky Ponting said
“I’m still a bit surprised by it, to be honest,” Aaron Finch said.
“I am shocked because last time Nathan Lyon didn’t play a Test in Australia was back in 2012 at the WACA,” Simon Katich said.
“I can’t believe it,” England great Stuart Broad said.
It is safe to say Australia did miss Nathan Lyon on Day 1 as they were behind the over rate and could complete only 74 overs given the lack of spin option. England ended the day being 9 down for 325.
