Former Australia captain Mark Taylor believes that the team management may decide to pick Cameron Green over Nathan Lyon for the first Test of The Ashes that will commence from November 21 in Perth. Though Lyon has vast experience when it comes to red-ball cricket and has a great record against England in the format, Taylor feels that Green could be picked in order to add batting depth and a pace bowling option.
“If Green is fit, he will play. When I say fit, I mean fit to bowl. In my view, unfortunately, Webster doesn’t play. They’ve got to get Green back into the side, but he has to bowl a few overs. Webster would be the unlucky one," Taylor said, as quoted by Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“Don’t be surprised, though, Australia has already done this once this year, if someone like Nathan Lyon doesn’t play in the first Test. The only other way they can go is by playing all their quicks along with Webster and Green, and not having an off-spinner," he added.
Lyon boasts a superb record in Perth
Notably, Lyon has a phenomenal record when it comes to the Optus Stadium as he is the leading wicket-taker at the venue in Tests with 29 wickets under his name so far. Taking Lyon out of the playing XI for the first Test may go on to hurt the Aussies. Taylor opined that the off-spinner should ideally be in the playing XI, but it won't be a surprise if he isn't included.
“They’ve got Travis Head and Beau himself who bowl a few offies. They might do that for Perth, which I don’t particularly like. I think Nathan has to play, but don’t be surprised if that happens," Taylor stated.
Lyon chosen as the only proper spin option
Meanwhile, Australia have only chosen Lyon as the proper spin option for the first Test, but part-timers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne may also get a chance to bowl. On the other hand, they have opted to go for seven pace options in their 15-member squad. With pitches in Australia known to favour the seamers, it remains to be seen if the Baggy Greens will choose Lyon in the playing XI or not.
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Australia's squad for 1st Ashes Test: Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.