Australia is refusing to back down on its decision to drop wicket-keeper Peter Nevill

AUSTRALIA is refusing to back down on its decision to drop wicket-keeper Peter Nevill despite the gloveman blasting an unbeaten 179 for NSW against Tasmania.

Peter Neville celebrates reaching 100 runs. Picture: KIM EISZELE

AUSTRALIA is refusing to back down on its decision to drop wicket-keeper Peter Nevill.

Axed for failing to put enough runs on the board in the Test middle order, Nevill responded in emphatic fashion by blasting an unbeaten 179 for NSW in their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.

But it would seem he has a long wait ahead of him if he’s to reclaim the top job.

Parting company with a keeper is always a major deal and Nevill’s undisputed status as the best out-and-out gloveman in the country has made the decision to dump him particularly contentious.

Replacement Matt Wade was mostly impressive behind the stumps in Adelaide but despite his obvious potential with the bat, he lasted barely an over in his one innings at the crease.

Asked about the strength of Nevill’s Shield ton, coach Darren Lehmann indicated it had come too little too late.

“Yeah it was a fantastic knock,” said Lehmann, before pausing.

Peter Neville celebrates reaching 100 runs. Picture: KIM EISZELE

“He played really well, we watched it. He’s a good young player.

“Would have loved that 179 in a Test match for us so that’s the difference probably.”

Lehmann said the door wasn’t shut on anyone despite the need to reinvent the outfit.

“It’s not putting a line through those players that missed out,” he said.

“Obviously they can do an Adam Voges who had an 1100 run year at 32 and get back in. It’s a case for those guys to do that or get wickets or whatever it may be.

“We had to inject some new players and some players that could grow and play for 10 years probably. That’s the challenge for the selection group and then the players to grow out on the ground as well.”

Lehmann also praised the counterpunching ability of Nathan Lyon after admitting the Australian hierarchy had turned the screws on their champion off-spinner.

Nathan Lyon was to be dropped for the Adelaide Test.

It’s understood Lyon was set to be dropped for the Adelaide Test, until an injury to Stephen O’Keefe bought him a golden ticket for one more chance.

Lyon had been under the pump ever since the disastrous tour of Sri Lanka when coach and captain both made particular mention of their senior spinner’s struggles to execute in the subcontinent.

The pressure on Lyon reached boiling point when he went more than 600 first-class deliveries between the Perth and Adelaide Tests without a wicket, and Lehmann says the knockout blow the spinner delivered to South Africa showcased extraordinary courage under fire.

“It was great to see Nathan Lyon, who has copped a lot from everyone, including us I suppose as staff and selectors,” said Lehmann.

“He really did a great job for us in this game as well.”

Originally published as Australia is refusing to back down on its decision to drop wicket-keeper Peter Nevill