Australia’s cricket team is considering leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the third Test against the West Indies in Jamaica, marking a potential strategic shift in their lineup. Captain Pat Cummins has delayed naming the final XI, departing from the approach taken in the first two Tests, as the team contemplates fielding a four-seamer attack or restructuring the team with an additional batter for their first day-night Test match outside Australian shores.The decision regarding Lyon, who holds 562 Test wickets and ranks second on Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list, remains uncertain just before the match. The 37-year-old spinner has only missed three Tests since 2013, all during the 2023 Ashes tour due to a calf injury.“Everything’s an option,” Cummins said when asked about the possibility of dropping Lyon. “We honestly haven’t settled on it. We all left yesterday and thought we’d just sleep on it, come back and have a look and make up our mind today.”Australia’s consideration of leaving out Lyon comes despite his strong performance in the ongoing series, where he has claimed nine wickets at an average of 18.33, placing him second on Australia’s wicket-takers list behind Josh Hazlewood.Lyon’s bowling workload has been notably light during the series, delivering just 32.3 overs, the lowest among specialist bowlers from both teams who have played both Tests. His economy rate of 5.07 reflects his primary role of bowling to the West Indies tail-enders.
Poll
Should Nathan Lyon be included in the final XI for the third Test against the West Indies?
The pink ball factor is playing a significant role in the team’s selection deliberations, as confirmed by Cummins. Australia maintains an impressive 13-0 record in day-night Tests, with Lyon personally claiming 43 wickets at an average of 25.62 in these matches.The pitch at Sabina Park appears distinctly green a day before the Test, potentially influencing the selection decision. The team might recall Josh Inglis to strengthen their batting lineup, with Beau Webster’s medium-pace serving as the fourth bowling option alongside Travis Head’s off-breaks.Cameron Green remains unavailable for bowling duties as he continues recovering from a back injury that kept him sidelined during the Australian summer.If the team opts for a bowling replacement, Scott Boland, who hasn’t played since his performance against India, stands as the primary candidate. Sean Abbott could also potentially make his Test debut.The selection decision represents a potential shift in Australia’s usual Test match strategy, as they haven’t fielded four specialist pace bowlers in a match since facing India in Perth in January 2012.This strategic consideration comes as Australia leads the series, having won both previous Tests against the West Indies, and looks to maintain their perfect record in day-night Test matches.
