Steve Smith justifies 'angry' Nathan Lyon’s axing in Gabba Test, declares Michael Neser 'more valuable'

Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith has defended the decision to exclude senior spinner Nathan Lyon for the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at the Gabba in Brisbane. The veteran batter said that Michael Neser justified his selection with a five-wicket haul in Australia’s eight-wicket victory over England.

Australia surprised many by leaving out Nathan Lyon for the second Test. The selectors opted for a full pace attack, bringing in Michael Neser as an extra seam-bowling option. Lyon missed a home Test for the first time since 2012. The veteran spinner admitted that he was extremely unhappy about the exclusion.

Steve Smith Defends Nathan Lyon’s Exclusion From Gabba Test

Speaking after the match, Steve Smith said that Nathan Lyon’s omission had nothing to do with his ability. He explained that the team wanted a different balance for this Test, especially with the extra batting. Smith added that Lyon remains a top-class spinner who has served Australia for years.

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“It could have gone a few different ways, and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s a freak. He’s been our spinner for such a long time, but the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after,” Smith said.

“(Neser) offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight, and forces batters to take risks when the ball isn’t as quick or is skidding. But it’s nothing against Nathan. He’s unbelievable and he’s done it for so long,” he added.

Michael Neser’s Five-Wicket Shows Australia Can Cope Without Nathan Lyon

The Australian quartet Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser shared 19 of England’s 20 wickets. The only dismissal not taken by a bowler came from a sharp run-out by Josh Inglis. Cam Green bowled a few overs as well but couldn’t pick up a wicket.

Alex Carey’s wicketkeeping played a big role in Australia’s success. He stood up to the stumps for Neser and Boland and stopped England’s batters from stepping out and disrupting the seamers’ accuracy.

After taking just one wicket in the first innings, Neser ran through the England batting lineup with a five-for in the second. The right-arm pacer took five wickets for 42 runs, helping Australia take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series.

Australia Face Selection Dilemma Ahead of Third Test in Adelaide

The selectors are under pressure despite Australia’s win in Brisbane. They will have to make tough decisions for the third Test, which is set to begin on December 17 in Adelaide.

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are set to return, while Brendan Doggett will miss out. The harder call is deciding who makes way for Lyon. Michael Neser could be dropped because he was the last player added to the team.

Scott Boland can be rested for the upcoming match, as Australia have two more Tests. That move would allow Neser to play again in the playing XI. The selectors could keep all their main bowlers by dropping Josh Inglis, but it could disrupt the team balance.

Also read: Steve Smith engaged in a verbal war with Jofra Archer after hooking him for six