Ashes: Extra Batting Gave Us Balance We Were After, Says Smith Explaining Lyons Exclusion From Gabba Test
Gabba Test: Steve Smith explained Australias choice to exclude Nathan Lyon from their commanding eight-wicket victory over England in Brisbane, saying the extra batting gave the balance they were looking for and the absence was not linked to his abilities at all. Lyon, who has claimed 562 wickets in red-ball cricket at the international level, was unexpectedly left out of team for the pink-ball Ashes Test. Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Neser claimed 19 of Englands 20 wickets convincingly during the match, with the only exception being Josh Inglis spectacular run-out of Ben Stokes. Batting all-rounder Cam Green bowled 13 overs but did not take any wickets. It could have gone a few different ways, and its certainly nothing against Nathan. Hes a freak. Hes 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 post-match. (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 isnt as quick or is skidding. But its nothing against Nathan. Hes unbelievable, and hes done it for so long. The selectors included bowling all-rounder Michael Neser as a fifth seam bowler, marking the first time since 2012 that Australias all-time leading off-spinner would miss a home Test, a decision Lyon said left him absolutely filthy. (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 isnt as quick or is skidding. But its nothing against Nathan. Hes unbelievable, and hes done it for so long. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I'm not the first player to miss a Test match and I won't be the last. I'm obviously pretty gutted because I know the role that I can play within Australian cricket and especially at a venue like this. Extremely disappointed, but I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure these guys get up, he added. Article Source: IANS
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