Lyon missing out consecutive pink-ball Tests no longer an outlier as it signals a significant shift in the selectors thinking.
Lyon left out of consecutive pink-ball Tests to show it’s no longer a one-off.
When Nathan Lyon was left out in Jamaica early this year for the day-night Test against West Indies, Tony Dodemaide, the selector on tour, labelled it “exceptional circumstances” and a “one-off”. Three Tests later it has occurred again with Lyon benched at the Gabba so Australia can deploy an all-pace assault, although augmented by Michael Neser and not a comeback for skipper Pat Cummins.
Due to his lack of overs against England’s careless hitters in that game and the fact that he bowled just one over in the day-night match against India in Adelaide last season, Lyon’s exclusion from this Test was rumoured since the conclusion of the opener match. Still, as the Test neared, it felt as though his overall day-night record – 43 wickets at 25.62 – and fears that the ball can get soft at this venue would work in his advantage.
From a distance, it appeared to be a very late call from Australia’s management, since Andrew McDonald, George Bailey, and Steven Smith had a last meeting by the pitch after arriving. It is just the second home Test Lyon has missed since his debut – a record of 69 matches before today – with the other coming against India at the WACA in 2012 when Australia fielded an all-pace attack.
What does all of this signify for Lyon? In the aftermath of not playing at Sabina Park he claimed he ultimately understood the decision but was still sad, believing he can be effective in all settings.
In Jamaica, conditions with the pink Dukes ball were on the extreme end; the match finished before the first interval on the third day with West Indies skittled for 27. Time will tell if things unfold similarly in Brisbane, but Mitchell Starc’s breakthroughs and the early carry on offer hinted it might not be too far off.
After the matches at the MCG and SCG, Lyon will undoubtedly return for the upcoming Test in Adelaide, which is a day game. But it is now unquestionable that when Australia play day-night Tests, even at home, Lyon can never again be assured of a spot in the XI. And that’s a big change.