'Nothing against him...': Steve Smith explains reason behind benching Nathan Lyon for 2nd Ashes Test

Australia captain Steve Smith feels that bringing in Michal Neser into the playing XI in place of Nathan Lyon was the right call. This comes after the former recorded figures of 5/42 in England's second innings and played a key role in the Baggy Greens' 8-wicket victory in the second Ashes Test.

After Australia's playing XI was announced at first, there was a lot of criticism around Neser's inclusion in place of an experienced spinner like Lyon. Smith explained that they decided to bring Neser in as he has a lot of variety and the team can try out multiple different field settings at the time that he is bowling.

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“He did a wonderful job. I hope so. It was tight, we could’ve gone a few different ways and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan. He’s been our spinner for a long time. I think Michael offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, we can bowl stump to stump, keep things tight and make you take risks when the ball’s probably not quite as quick or a little bit skiddy,” Smith said in a post-match press-conference.

“It was a kind of similar role as to what Nathan would play, obviously not a spinner, but a similar role and obviously (he) extended our batting, which we thought was going to be crucial as well,” he added.

Lyon left disappointed with his snub

Meanwhile, Lyon had earlier expressed his disappointment over missing out on the playing XI for the second Test and had said that he will have a chat about it with chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald.

“Absolutely filthy. But yeah, can't do anything about it. To be honest, I haven't really sat down with Ronnie [Andrew McDonald] or George yet. I'm letting things settle down in my own head and trying to make sure that I'm, as I said, doing whatever I can to make sure the guys out in the middle representing Australia do the right thing and get the right result for us,” Lyon said on Channel 7.

Australia in firm control

On the other hand, Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the ongoing Test series against England and look set to retain The Ashes once again. The Three Lions continued their woeful Test record Down Under with the defeat in Brisbane and they will be hoping to bounce back in the third Test that will begin from December 17 in Adelaide.