Australian selectors are contemplating the unthinkable – dropping Nathan Lyon for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Despite Australia’s commanding victory in Perth, the veteran off-spinner bowled just two overs as England collapsed for 67 runs across both innings. The pink-ball conditions in Brisbane, combined with England’s aggressive batting approach, have sparked serious discussions about fielding an all-pace attack.

A Rare Precedent
Lyon’s potential omission wouldn’t be without precedent. The 37-year-old was left out of the Jamaica Test earlier this year when conditions heavily favoured pace bowling. That decision proved correct as the match ended in under two-and-a-half days, with Mitchell Starc taking 6 for 9 and Scott Boland claiming a hat-trick in the West Indies’ second innings total of just 27.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the selectors would discuss the option as part of their normal selection process. “Will we ask ourselves the question? Of course. We do every game,” McDonald stated. However, he stressed the risks involved, noting that Lyon can be crucial during afternoon sessions when the pink ball softens quickly.

The Brisbane Dilemma
The statistics paint a compelling picture. Lyon bowled just one over in last year’s pink-ball Test in Adelaide against India and didn’t bowl a single delivery in the previous Ashes pink-ball Test in Hobart. His limited involvement in recent day-night Tests has fueled speculation about his role when conditions favour seamers.

However, the Brisbane pitch tells a different story. In January 2024, Lyon bowled 50 overs against West Indies at the Gabba, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 2.46. The humid conditions and benign afternoon sessions required his holding role, especially when the ball lost its hardness and offered minimal movement for the quicks.

Selection Headaches Mount
With Josh Hazlewood ruled out and Pat Cummins pushing hard for a return from injury, Australia’s selection puzzle becomes more complex. The possibility of fielding four seamers, with Cameron Green providing additional pace options, presents an attractive alternative. Another left-field option involves all-rounder Beau Webster, who could strengthen the batting while filling Lyon’s holding overs if required.

England’s batting approach adds another dimension to the selection debate. Their ultra-aggressive style in Perth resulted in batting collapses that rendered Lyon almost redundant. If England continues with this approach in Brisbane, Australia might benefit more from an extra quick bowler or additional batting depth.

McDonald acknowledged Australia has “a lot to consider” for Brisbane, including potential changes to the batting order after Travis Head’s match-winning century as an emergency opener. The coach emphasised that dropping Lyon isn’t their starting point, but the unique circumstances demand a thorough evaluation.

The decision carries significant weight. Lyon has missed just one home Test since his 2011 debut – a 2012 match at the WACA where Australia opted for an all-pace attack. Breaking his streak of over 100 consecutive Tests would send shockwaves through Australian cricket.

As the Gabba Test approaches, selectors face their toughest call yet. Will they stick with their champion spinner who has taken 530 Test wickets, or will conditions and tactics force their hand toward an unprecedented change? The cricketing world watches with bated breath as Australia weighs up the unthinkable.