Australia selector breaks silence on why veteran Nathan Lyon was dropped after 13 years

Nathan Lyon got dropped from Australia's Test XI for clash against West Indies. (Photo: AFP)

Experienced Australia spinner Nathan Lyon was unexpectedly left out of the starting lineup for the third Test match against the West Indies at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Both fans and experts were taken aback by Lyon's absence, given that he was fully fit and in good form. However, strategic circumstances and tactical planning—rather than performance or injury—were the basis for the choice.

Team Australia went for an all-pace attack, playing four frontline seamers, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, for the day-night Test. The selection was partly prompted by anticipation that the pink ball and pitch conditions in Kingston would significantly favor fast bowlers.

Team selectors claim that the decision to rest Lyon was a one-time tactical decision that was made after taking the match conditions, historical data, and surface characteristics into account.

Also Read - Historic feat! India smash massive Test record mid-series against England under Shubman Gill’s brilliance

Australian Selector Dodemaide was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo, "He's disappointed because he wants to play every game. He's a great competitor, and he believes he can be effective in any conditions. But he's a team man as well and understands the right thing for the team, and he'll do his best to support the guys. But it's a one-off. It's no reflection on performance for Nathan. It's simply the best way we think we can win this game."

The seam movement that Sabina Park has historically offered is anticipated to be amplified in a pink-ball test under the lights. In day-night Test matches, teams frequently modify their bowling strategy to prioritize swing and pace over spin.

It is anticipated that spinners, particularly finger spinners like Lyon, will have little impact under such circumstances, hence the selectors will strengthen the pace battery.

In recent years, Nathan Lyon has emerged as one of Australia's most dependable performers. Form did not result in his getting dropped from the playing XI. With nine wickets in the last two Test matches, he came within two wickets of surpassing Glenn McGrath's record to become Australia's third-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

As per Zee News, this is the first time Lyon has been benched when fit since 2013, excluding absences due to injuries.