'Surprised, Can't Control,' Nathan Lyon Startled With R Ashwin's Snub From Perth Test

Nathan Lyon reacts to Ashwin's exclusion [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Speaking candidly to the media, veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was frank about his response when Ravichandran Ashwin was benched for the first Test in Perth. Lyon mentioned that Ashwin, who has 530+ wickets in Test cricket, was left out of India's playing XI, and this surprised him.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicked off on an entertaining note as India beat Australia by 295 runs in the series opener at Perth. Fast bowlers dominated the entire contest with two spinners, Washington Sundar and Nathan Lyon, settling for 2 wickets each in 4 innings.

However, India chose Washington Sundar over experienced Test players Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, which left many fans in shock, including Australian spin legend Nathan Lyon.

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Nathan Lyon amused with Ashwin getting benched in Perth Test

Before the second Test at Adelaide, Nathan Lyon had spoken to the media. He revealed not seeing Ashwin in India's playing XI for the first Test as surprising. However, he understands the visiting team’s dilemma, given the quality of bench strength they possess. Lyon expressed how Ashwin and Jadeja were benched despite having 300+ wickets each in their respective Test career.

“More than surprises me. But the quality of Indian cricketers that they got in that squad, don’t they? You’ve got Ashwin and 530 odd wickets and then you got Ravindra Jadeja over 300 wickets or whatever it may be. So it’s pretty remarkable to see the quality of player tha are sitting on the bench. But I can’t control with who they run out, but it would be a good challenge, no matter who they bring out," Lyon said.

Regardless, Nathan Lyon is open to any challenge ahead of the Adelaide Test. The pink ball contest is once again likely to be dominated by the pace bowlers, and hence, only 1 spinner will make the cut to the final XI. While Lyon is a constant for Australia, Ashwin’s odds look bleak.

India to make a handful of changes for pink ball Test

With the second Test scheduled at the Adelaide Oval, a pink-ball day-night affair, all eyes are on India’s squad selection. The return of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to the playing XI might force youngsters Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel to sit out. 

The inclusion of Ashwin, who thrives in day-night conditions with his variation and experience, remains a key talking point. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood misses out with a side strain, with Scott Boland’s inclusion being the only change.

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