Brisbane, 4 December (H.S.): In a dramatic move ahead of the second Ashes Test, Australia made a bold selection call by dropping veteran spinner Nathan Lyon from the playing XI. The day-night Test at the Gabba began with England winning the toss and opting to bat first, but the real surprise came when the hosts announced significant changes to their lineup.

All-rounder Michael Neser made his much-anticipated return to the Australian Test side, while wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis replaced the injured Usman Khawaja. The Test marks Inglis’ first appearance in an Ashes fixture and his maiden outing on home soil. He is set to bat at No. 7 in the order.

Travis Head, who opened the innings in the Perth Test, will continue in the same role. Ahead of the match, Head remarked, “It looks like I’ll be opening again, and I’ve prepared accordingly.”

For Inglis, this will be his fourth Test overall and his debut in the Ashes. Meanwhile, Neser, returning after three years, will make yet another appearance in a pink-ball contest — remarkably, all three of his previous Tests have been day-night encounters.

Known as a pink-ball specialist, his inclusion also bolsters Australia’s lower-order batting depth; Neser holds a first-class average close to 30 with five centuries to his name.Captain Pat Cummins, who was expected to return, remains sidelined due to a persistent back injury, meaning Steve Smith continues to lead the side.

This will also be the second consecutive pink-ball Test from which Lyon has been omitted, despite earlier indications from the team management that they intended to retain him.

In Perth, Lyon bowled only two overs, prompting selectors to favour Neser given the conditions at the Gabba.England, on the other hand, had announced their XI earlier.

Following their eight-wicket defeat in Perth, the visitors made one change — bringing in off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks for fast bowler Mark Wood to strengthen their batting depth.

Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar