Shocking suggestion! Ex-pacer pushes for Nathan Lyon to be axed from Australian team

Former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris made a surprising statement about veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon's selection for the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series at home. Ryan Harris stated that Nathan Lyon could be dropped from Australia's playing XI for the all-important series against England.

Nathan Lyon had a limited role in Australia's 3-1 victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The spinner bowled only 122.4 overs in five matches, taking nine wickets at an average of 36.89. Overall, Lyon has picked up 539 wickets in 134 Tests at a decent bowling average of 30.4.

Whether We Play Four Quicks and Leave Out Nathan Lyon - Ryan Harris

Speaking on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio, Ryan Harris pointed out Scott Boland’s impressive form, creating a selection headache for Australia next summer for The Ashes. Harris spoke about the possibility of playing four fast bowlers by leaving out Nathan Lyon in the playing XI.

“Scotty, as we know him, is the guy that comes in when someone gets injured. That’s his role in the past… but he took 21 wickets at 13, so that’s definitely something the selectors are going to have to think about with Josh Hazlewood not being in there," said Harris to 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio on Monday.

“Josh is a very good bowler and his record speaks for itself. It’s definitely a question that has got to be asked and we are going to completely different conditions in Sri Lanka. Questions will be there for next summer and whether we play four quicks and leave out, dare I say it, maybe the GOAT (Nathan Lyon)," he added.

Scott Boland's Impressive Form Puts Pressure on Australian Selectors

Scott Boland made a significant impact during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, capitalizing on Josh Hazlewood's injury absence. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for Australia in the recently concluded Test series. Boland picked up 21 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 13.19 from just three matches.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are set to be automatic choices for the Test team when fit, and the selectors now face a tough decision regarding the third seam bowler. Despite Boland's form, it's highly unlikely that selector George Bailey and his team would completely drop Nathan Lyon later in the year.

Australia has a busy schedule leading up to the Ashes. They will conclude the WTC cycle with two Tests against Sri Lanka starting on January 29 in Galle. They will compete in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, followed by a Test tour of the West Indies later that month.

They Will Try and Keep It as Stable as Possible - Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris advised against making drastic changes to the Australian team. He emphasized that the selectors are likely trying to maintain stability, despite the external pressure for changes. Harris said that the selectors have made the right decisions and that the team’s success proves their choices are effective.

“I think they will try and keep it as stable as possible. The conversations are no doubt being had behind closed doors… but we can’t afford to lose three or four players at a time. Everyone is screaming that ‘this has got to happen’, but in the inner sanctum, there would be a plan in place," he continued.

“There’s two Tests in Sri Lanka, there’s a World Test Championship and even a West Indies tour, so there’s gonna be a little bit of cricket between now and then. They (selectors) have copped a bit of criticism – but ultimately they have come through again and showed what the team can do. They are making good decisions, even if from the outside it might not always look like it," concluded Harris.

Also read: Nitish Kumar Reddy snubbed as Michael Vaughan picks combined XI from Border-Gavaskar Trophy