Nathan Lyon explodes at Andrew McDonald, George Bailey after being dropped for Gabba Test in Ashes

Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon opened up about his exclusion from Australia’s XI for the second Ashes Test, which began on Thursday, December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Lyon, who had not missed a home Test since 2012, admitted that he was “gutted” when selector George Bailey informed him of the decision.

Australia made two changes for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba despite winning the first Test. Michael Neser came in for Lyon, and Josh Inglis replaced the injured Usman Khawaja. Australia went with a full pace attack, featuring Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Cameron Green in Brisbane.

Nathan Lyon’s Exclusion from Gabba Test Raises Eyebrows, George Bailey Reacts

Nathan Lyon was left out of a home Test side for the first time since 2012. Lyon has an impressive record at the Gabba and strong performances with the pink ball. However, he was overlooked for a second straight day-night Test, having missed the West Indies fixture in July.

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Lyon is Australia’s third-highest Test wicket-taker. He is also second on the all-time list for wickets in day-night Tests. However, he could not secure a spot in the XI for the ongoing pink-ball match.

Selector George Bailey clarified the call on day one, saying it was a one-off decision based on conditions and team balance. He confirmed that Lyon would return in Adelaide and explained that the move was specific to this Test.

“Very much it’s a one-Test decision – Nath will play in Adelaide. It’s about how you structure up the resources and how they’re going to be used under different conditions," Bailey said.

Absolutely Filthy, But Can’t Do Anything About It - Nathan Lyon

During an interview with Channel 7 during Day 1’s play of the Brisbane Test, Nathan Lyon expressed his frustration. The 38-year-old spinner revealed that he learned about his snub about half an hour after arriving at the ground.

Lyon, who went wicketless in the series opener in Perth, admitted that he was “absolutely filthy” when chief selector George Bailey informed him of the decision. He acknowledged there was nothing he could do except accept the call and move on.

“Yeah, I found out, I come to ground, as I always do, pretty early, about 12 o’clock, and found out about 12.30. Absolutely filthy. But yeah, can’t do anything about it," Lyon said.

🚨 Nathan Lyon talks about his omission 🚨

He takes us through his day, what he's feeling right now, and the conversations he's had with the Australian brains trust...#Ashes pic.twitter.com/usdO45gShZ

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 4, 2025

I Hope I Can Play My Role in Making Sure… - Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon admitted that he had not yet discussed his omission with head coach Andrew McDonald or chief selector George Bailey. Lyon stated that he remained committed to supporting the team.

"So, yeah, I 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 stated.

“To be honest I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) or George yet. I’m letting things settle down in my own head and trying to make sure that I’m, as I said, doing whatever I can to make sure the guys out in the middle representing Australia do the right thing and get the right result for us."

Also read: Alex Hartley calls Harry Brook "fu****g stupid" on-air during Gabba Test, controversy erupts in Ashes