Brisbane, Dec 4 (NationPress) Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has stated that Nathan Lyon’s absence from the second Ashes Test against England at the Gabba was influenced by the prevailing conditions, emphasizing that it was “very much a one-Test decision”. He assured that the seasoned off-spinner is set to participate in the third Test in Adelaide.

The Australian team made a daring selection choice for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, implementing two changes from the squad that triumphed in Perth. Michael Neser took Lyon’s place, while Josh Inglis stepped in for the injured opener, Usman Khawaja.

Neser joins a pace-heavy lineup alongside Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett, along with all-rounder Cameron Green, as Australia decided on an all-pace attack for the Gabba Test.

This marks the first time since 2012 that Lyon has been excluded from an Australia side in a home Test, and the team is still without captain Pat Cummins for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Lyon, who was also absent during Australia’s previous day-night Test against the West Indies in July, boasts a strong record at the Gabba, with 52 wickets at an average of just under 29, and 43 wickets at 25.63 with the pink ball.

“It’s very much a one-Test decision – Nath will play in Adelaide. It’s about how you anticipate structuring the resources and their usage, considering when it gets dark, how many overs will be bowled during the day, and when the new ball might be available,” Bailey elaborated during the first day of play.

Bailey also disclosed the close call regarding Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, who was in contention for a potential return during the day-night match but remains sidelined due to injury.

Cummins missed the first Test victory in Perth while recovering from a back stress injury but rejoined the Australian squad in Brisbane, although he was not included in the 14-player lineup.

This week, Cummins has been progressing with bowling on consecutive days as part of his rehabilitation from the lumbar stress injury. He was seen bowling again in the Gabba nets on Thursday as medical staff gradually extended his training regimen.

“He’s set to bowl a certain number of overs this week. Therefore, it raises the question of whether those overs could be bowled in the Test as well,” Bailey stated.

“The critical factors included assessing what that would mean post this Test and whether it heightened risks for others, considering the uncontrollable elements of a game. It was challenging to determine the number of overs he could bowl.”

“Once we arrived here and observed his training, along with gathering comprehensive medical insights, it became a viable option. The discussions revolved around the implications of the number of overs and future considerations, leading to decisions being made later than usual,” Bailey concluded.