Australia’s squad for the Second Test match against South Africa, which will take place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from October 18–22, does not include Nathan Lyon. The off-spinner has not been dropped for a red-ball Test when fully fit for the first time in 13 years. As part of an all-pace attack, Scott Boland has been chosen instead, continuing Australia’s recent trend for pink-ball games.
Nathan Lyon has been left out of Australia’s squad for the Second Test
Australia defeated Durban by 214 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The team’s strategic approach to conditions and recent performance data is reflected in the choice of Boland over Lyon. Mark Waugh discussed his thoughts on the contentious choice while speaking on Fox Cricket. Waugh stated, “It’s a fair call, but it’s difficult for Lyon. “Which would South Africa prefer to play, Scott Boland or Nathan Lyon? “They’d say Lyon … he (Boland) should be playing if the conditions suit,” Waugh remarked.
Lyon is among the most successful spinners in Test history with a record of 573 Test wickets from 144 games. On October 9, 2026, he made his final Test appearance against South Africa. Lyon last missed a red-ball Test when healthy during the Ashes series in 2013. Lyon has previously been disqualified from a pink-ball match.
During the most recent Ashes series, he was excluded from pink-ball Tests in Jamaica and at the Gabba. Michael Neser was brought in and took five wickets in the Ashes pink-ball Test, proving the value of pace-based selections under those circumstances.
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Boland’s choice was further contextualized by Fox Cricket analyst Steve O’Keefe. He emphasized the fast bowler’s outstanding performance in the last innings, where he averages 12 wickets. The reason selectors have decided to support Boland in this specific game is highlighted by this statistic. In the last innings, Boland takes his wickets at 12. I’ll get hurt. Nathan Lyon will be harmed, but that’s why,” O’Keefe stated.
But not every observer supported the ruling. Speaking on the Chin Music podcast, Steve O’Keefe strongly disagreed with Australia’s strategy. He took issue with the complete lack of a spinner, especially one with Lyon’s track record and experience. I abhor it. O’Keefe stated, “I totally disagree with them not choosing a spinner, let alone a spinner with 550 wickets.
