The Ashes 2025-26: Australian great Mark Waugh doubts selectors’ ‘unnecessary change’ for second Test

An Australian great fears the selectors might be overworking the fast bowling cartel by dropping champion off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Australian legend Mark Waugh labelled the selectors’ decision to drop champion off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the second Ashes Test an “unnecessary change”.

Lyon was overlooked for the second time in three Tests for local seam bowler Michael Neser.

The veteran spinner bowled just two overs in Perth but has a formidable record in pink-ball matches and at the Gabba.

England was 2-5 after Mitchell Starc claimed a pair of quick wickets but Waugh said the Australian attack was “a lot of the same” without Lyon.

“Interesting selection with no Nathan Lyon,” Waugh said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.

Mark Waugh says the absence of Nathan Lyon “affects the balance of the team”. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“Australia has five legitimate fast bowlers, and I’m counting Cameron Green there, so there is a lot of the same kind of bowling.

“I just wonder whether not having that variety will come back to bite them in this game.”

Australia defeated England inside two days in the first Test match, rarely using Lyon and all-rounder Cameron Green.

Despite spending just 67.3 overs in the field last Test almost a fortnight ago, Waugh’s concern surrounded the workload of Australia’s frontline fast bowlers.

“It affects the balance of the team,” Waugh said.

“It might work out for them, but I can’t help but think they’ve overworked their quick bowlers here.

“Especially if (Cam) Green is good to go and the word is he can bowl as many overs as we need him to bowl.”

Originally published as The Ashes 2025-26: Australian great Mark Waugh doubts selectors’ ‘unnecessary change’ for second Test