In a bold move ahead of the crucial second Ashes Test, Australia has dropped veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon and made two significant changes to their XI for the day-night clash at the Gabba. Meanwhile, England has won the toss and elected to bat first in Brisbane.
Australia’s Bombshell Selection
Pat Cummins’ return from a back injury has been delayed, but the major headlines come from the selection table:
- OUT: Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja (injured)
- IN: Michael Neser, Josh Inglis
This marks the second consecutive pink-ball Test from which Lyon has been dropped, following his omission in Jamaica last July. His minimal role in Perth (bowling just two overs) has prompted the selectors to reinforce their pace attack for the conditions.
Michael Neser earns a recall in front of his home crowd, adding to his reputation as a pink-ball specialist—all three of his Test caps have now come under lights.
Josh Inglis will make his home Test debut, replacing the injured Usman Khawaja. He slots into the middle order, with Travis Head confirmed to continue as opener alongside Jake Weatherald.
“We just thought it would be a little bit risky this game,” stand-in captain Steve Smith said of Cummins, “but he’s certainly tracking well for the next one.”
Confirmed Teams
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
The Stage is Set
With Australia 1-0 up in the series, the decision to drop a 500-wicket legend like Lyon is a high-stakes gamble. It signals a clear intent to exploit the Gabba’s pace-friendly conditions and the pink ball under lights. England, batting first, will look to put scoreboard pressure on a reshaped Australian attack and level the series.
The tactical battle under the Brisbane lights is now officially underway.
