Ashes: Will Australia field four frontline pacers at Lyon's expense?
What's the story
Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has all but confirmed Nathan Lyon's place in the playing XI for the upcoming five-match Ashes series this summer. He dismissed any possibility of Australia fielding four fast bowlers and leaving out the spinner. "I'd find it very unlikely that we would go away from Gaz at all this summer," Cummins said to Sydney Morning Herald, referring to Lyon by his nickname.
Performance review
Lyon was dropped for the WI Test
Lyon was dropped for Australia's last Test against the West Indies, a decision that disappointed him. However, he understood why it was done. The spinner had a quiet series against India last summer, taking nine wickets at an average of 36.88. He also bowled just one over in the Adelaide day-night Test match. As Scott Boland has been stupendous in Tests so far, there were discussions of the Aussies continuing with four frontline quicks in the XI.
Captain's defense
Cummins rules out 4-pacer strategy
Despite speculation about Australia's potential four-pacer strategy, Cummins defended Lyon's inclusion. He said, "I'd almost guarantee there won't be four quicks this summer, especially with a couple of all-rounders in the team as well." This statement comes amid former Australian one-day bowler Kane Richardson's suggestion that bowler-friendly decks could greet teams this summer.
Omission impact
Cummins on how Lyon took his omission
Cummins revealed that Lyon took his omission from the West Indies Test on the chin. "I think he saw it coming a little bit," said Cummins, adding that while Lyon was "absolutely fine," he was also "shattered." The captain stressed that most games in Australia are expected to last longer than two-and-a-half or three days, hence the need for Lyon's skills.
Statistical backing
Kerry O'Keeffe backs Lyon's inclusion
Lyon's numbers in recent years have been impressive, with a bowling average of 24.95 in 2023, 22.69 in 2024, and 24.04 this year. Former Australian spinner Kerry O'Keeffe also backed Lyon's inclusion in the XI, saying "I don't want to see Australia go in with four fast bowlers too many times as it disillusions spinners." He suggested that if Lyon was unavailable for the first Test, West Australian off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli should be picked instead.