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'It’s a fair call' - Mark Waugh backs Nathan Lyon exclusion call for Gqeberha Test

Australia has left veteran spinner Nathan Lyon out of the playing squad for the upcoming red-ball fixture against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha, opting for Scott Boland in an all-pace bowling lineup. This marks the first time in 13 years that the experienced off-spinner has been omitted from a Test when fully fit, with selectors leaning toward pace options similar to their strategy in prior pink-ball matches.

Australia currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following a 214-run triumph in Durban. While Mark Waugh supported the choice as a tough yet correct call given the conditions, fellow analyst Steve O'Keefe strongly criticized the complete absence of a specialist spinner.

Up nextCricket· 4h ago

Australia legend Mark Waugh has no complaints against Nathan Lyon’s exclusion