Stand-in Australian skipper Steve Smith explained why he dropped seasoned Nathan Lyon for the second Ashes Test and brought in seam-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser instead. The experienced off-spinner has missed a home Test match for the first time since 2012.
Nathan Lyon was dropped from the side for the second Test, which was played at Brisbane’s historic Gabba last week, after bowling only two overs in the first Test in Perth. Smith described it as a tactical move, as bringing Neser into the starting XI enabled Australia to take advantage of the seamer-friendly conditions in the pink-ball Test. The former also remarked how Neser’s batting ability added depth to the Australian team.
“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,” said Smith in the post-match press conference.
Steve Smith said that Neser’s role in the middle was pretty much the same as Lyon’s.
The 35-year-old bagged one wicket in the first innings and five in the second. He was rewarded for his patience, as he bowled tight lines and lengths.
“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.
India
