Brisbane, 5 December (H.S.): England opener Zak Crawley admitted that Australia’s decision to omit experienced spinner Nathan Lyon from the Brisbane Test made batting considerably easier on the opening day. Crawley said facing an all-seam attack allowed him to adapt quickly and find his rhythm at the crease.

Playing under lights in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, Australia keenly felt Lyon’s absence as England closed Day 1 in a commanding position at 325 for 9. Without a spinner, Australia also fell eight overs short of their required over-rate, which could lead to potential World Test Championship (WTC) point deductions.

Crawley, who scored a fluent 76 — his second-highest total in Australia — provided strong support to skipper Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 135 at stumps, registering his first century on Australian soil after 30 innings. The day ended with Root and Jofra Archer stitching together a vital 61-run stand for the final wicket, frustrating the Australian quicks as the ball began to lose its shine.

Speaking after play, Crawley said the visitors were surprised not to see Lyon’s name in Australia’s playing XI, especially after England’s batting struggles in Perth. “You find a rhythm against four seamers. As the game went on, batting became easier,” Crawley told reporters, acknowledging that the lack of bowling variation worked in their favour.

Among Australia’s bowlers, left-armer Mitchell Starck was the standout performer, claiming 6 for 71, while the rest of the pace attack — Michael Neser, Cameron Green, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett — collectively managed only two wickets for 249 runs.

Despite the criticism, Starck dismissed concerns about balance in the attack. “Pace isn't everything,” he said. “This was the combination we went for this week.” He added that bowling without Lyon did not add any extra pressure on him or his teammates.Lyon reportedly learned of his omission barely an hour before the toss. “It’s tough for him,” Starck added. “

Every player wants to feature in every match, but the selectors picked the XI based on conditions. This decision doesn’t question Lyon’s ability in any way.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar