Follow UsNathan Lyon, the leading wicket taker among active cricketers in the world, has now missed two of Australia’s last three Tests and if these are the signs of things to come, then he must get ready for what might be in store for him.
The reason why Lyon missed the Gabba Test was unknown even to him by the time he appeared for a TV interview during the last session of play on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test.
“I found out while coming to the ground. We came in pretty early, at around 12 o’clock, and I found out at about 12:30,” Lyon recalled, when asked about when he was informed that he wouldn't be playing.
🚨 Nathan Lyon talks about his omission 🚨
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 4, 2025
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
Nudged about the reason behind his omission as chief selector George Bailey had earlier revealed to the people that Lyon did not take his axing from the playing 11 well, the off-spinner said that his conversation with Bailey was short and he felt very filthy.
“Now I am trying my best in trying to get the guys ready in whatever way I can for the game,” he added, before clarifying, “I haven’t really sat down with Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) or George. Let me first think about it clearly in my head and then sit around and talk.”
Lyon also shared his views about the wicket, saying, “I feel like the wicket is going to offer a bit of bounce for myself but would like to see what Will Jacks does.”
Although he looked in pain without doubt after being dropped from the side for no fault of his own, apparently after having 562 Test wickets behind his back, Lyon ended the interview saying, “I am not the first player to miss a Test match and I won’t be the last, but the kind of role I could have played for Australian cricket especially at this venue, I am totally gutted.”
Whether or not Australia will miss his services, only time will tell. But, they were definitely behind the over-rate on Day 1 and with England already crossing the 320 run mark, spin will definitely have a role to play.