Nathan Lyon has been left out of Australia's squad for the Second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha, running from October 18-22. This marks the first time in 13 years that the off-spinner has been dropped for a red-ball Test when fully fit. Scott Boland has been selected instead as part of an all-pace attack, continuing Australia's pattern for pink-ball matches in recent times.
Australia holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after securing a 214-run victory in Durban. The selection of Boland over Lyon reflects the team's strategic approach to conditions and recent performance data. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh offered his perspective on the controversial decision.
"It’s tough on Lyon, but it’s a fair call," Waugh said.
"Would South Africa rather face Nathan Lyon or Scott Boland? They’d say Lyon ... if the conditions suit, he (Boland) should be playing," Waugh said.
Lyon's record stands at 573 Test wickets from 144 matches, making him one of the most successful spinners in Test history. His last Test appearance came on October 9, 2026, against South Africa. The last occasion Lyon missed a red-ball Test when fully fit was during the 2013 Ashes series. This is not the first time Lyon has been excluded from a pink-ball fixture.
He was left out for pink-ball Tests in Jamaica and at the Gabba during the recent Ashes series. In the Ashes pink-ball Test, Michael Neser was brought in and took five wickets, demonstrating the effectiveness of pace-based selections in those conditions.
Steve O'Keefe, another Fox Cricket analyst, provided additional context for Boland's selection. He highlighted the fast bowler's exceptional record in final innings, where he takes his wickets at an average of 12. This statistic underscores why selectors have chosen to back Boland in this particular match.
"Boland takes his wickets at 12 in the final innings. It’ll hurt me. It’ll hurt Nathan Lyon, but that’s why," O'Keefe said.
Steve O'Keefe's strong disagreement
However, not all observers agreed with the decision. Steve O'Keefe, speaking on the Chin Music podcast, expressed strong disagreement with Australia's approach. He criticised the omission of a spinner entirely, particularly one with Lyon's experience and record.
"I hate it. I completely disagree with them not picking a spinner, let alone a spinner with 550 wickets," O'Keefe said.
