Steve Smith reveals the two reasons Australia picked Michael Neser over Nathan Lyon

Steve Smith has opened up about Nathan Lyon’s shock omission from the Gabba Test, and says the two reasons Michael Neser was picked were both vindicated.

Steve Smith says Nathan Lyon’s omission has been vindicated after Michael Neser’s sensational performance tore England apart under lights at the Gabba.

Neser’s selection ahead of Australia’s premier off-spinner — the 562-wicket Nathan Lyon — paid off spectacularly on day three as the Queensland quick claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul and swung the match firmly Australia’s way.

The Australian captain said the decision was “tight” but ultimately came down to Neser’s all-round impact and the flexibility he brought to the line-up.

“It could have gone a few different ways and it’s certainly nothing against Nathan — he’s a freak,” Smith said.

Australia believe their decision to snub Nathan Lyon for the Gabba Test was vindicated. Picture: AP

“He’s been our spinner for such a long time. But the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after.”

Smith said Australia’s plan was to “line their sessions up” as precisely as possible, and Neser’s skill set under lights became the key factor.

That strategy peaked during England’s dramatic collapse from 1-90 to 6-128 on Saturday night, where Neser and wicketkeeper Alex Carey combined brilliantly with the keeper standing up to the stumps to apply pressure.

Michael Neser dismisses Ben Stokes

Neser catches Pope

The 35-year-old struck with two sharp caught-and-bowled dismissals to remove Zak Crawley for 44 and Ollie Pope back for 26 — soon leading to the Joe Root’s dismissal, falling cheaply for 15. As England never recovered.

Neser also played a crucial hand with the bat, surviving 41 deliveries for 16 runs in support of Mitchell Starc (77 off 141) in a partnership that helped Australia stretch their lead and shift the momentum.

Smith praised the point-of-difference Neser brought.

Michael Neser seals his five-wicket haul

“He offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight and forces batters to take risks when the ball isn’t as quick or is skidding,” Smith said.

“But it’s nothing against Nathan. He’s unbelievable and he’s done it for so long.”

Despite Neser’s heroics, the selection debate will be short-lived.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey has already confirmed Lyon will return for the third Test in Adelaide in 10 days’ time — making Neser’s Gabba masterclass likely his final appearance of the summer.

Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has thrust his name into Ashes contention after a gritty innings for the England Lions – offering a rare positive note for the tourists as their top order faltered in the Gabba Test.

The 22-year-old left-hander peeled off a composed 71 at Allan Border Field against a strong Australia A attack boasting Test-level experience in Beau Webster, Jhye Richardson and Test prospect Fergus O’Neill.

Bethell and centurion Asa Tribe put on a commanding 169-run stand on a true batting surface before O’Neill broke through.

Bethell in action for the England Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images.

He removed Bethell to cap off a standout spell that netted the Victorian an impressive four-wicket haul.

O’Neill, who shared a Big Bash dressing room with Bethell at the Melbourne Renegades last summer, didn’t hesitate when asked whether the youngster was ready for the Ashes furnace.

“Yeah, I think he’s a very good player, very compact. Obviously, played a lot at the highest level now, so he’s very quick, ” O’Neill said on stumps.

“If he does get a chance in this Ashes, I think he’d go very well, versatile, up and down the order, obviously, left-handed as well, which seems to be a bit of an advantage at the moment.”

“So that’ll be interesting to see what the English do. And I know that if bethel’s Playing a game for them, he’ll be a tough wicket.”

His innings arrives at a critical moment for England. Their top order has been shaky across both Gabba innings, slumping to 2-5 in the first and 3-90 in the second.

Ben Duckett (0 & 15) and Ollie Pope (0 & 26) endured lean outings, while Zak Crawley stood alone with scores of 76 and 44, the latter a measured knock under lights on day three.

O’Neill believes Bethell has both the temperament and technique to withstand Ashes pressure if selectors swing the axe, with the young English star having already been discussed as a No. 3 instead of Pope ahead of the Test series.

Pope and Bethell have been battling for the No. 3 spot. Picture: David Gray/AFP.

“I think he’s not short of confidence or belief. I think he knows that he’s a very good player. And he goes out and he plays like one, he’s cool, calm and collected, and gets the job done. He’s got all the skills. And I think, he’s pretty switched on mentally as well,” he said.

O’Neill also put forward his own case for higher honours after two strong Sheffield Shield seasons, though he stressed that the decision sits with selectors.

“I just want to keep putting my best foot forward,” he said. “If the opportunity arises, I’ll put my hand up.”

Several Australians enhanced their credentials across the match. Richardson, returning from a recurring shoulder issue, ripped through the Lions with four first-innings wickets. And three-Test batter Nathan McSweeney hammered a monumental double-century on day two, steering Australia A to a declaration at 8-588 and strengthening his own push for a Test recall.

The Lions reached stumps on day three with Tribe unbeaten on a stylish 114, still trailing by 148 runs.

Originally published as Steve Smith reveals the two reasons Australia picked Michael Neser over Nathan Lyon