Australia selectors ponder Lyon role amid pace push

Melbourne: The Australian selectors are grappling with the delicate task of managing Nathan Lyon, the country's most distinguished spinner, as conditions push for an all-pace assault in upcoming series against South Africa and New Zealand. Once an automatic selection for over a decade, Lyon's place is now in jeopardy. He returned from injury to the Bangladesh series, playing a supporting role to the dominant pace unit of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

However, Lyon's performance was inconsistent, taking only 1-125 in the opening defeat and being out-performed by spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His place for the second match was in no doubt. Captain Cummins floated the idea of Scott Boland and an all-pace attack, but the pitch conditions favored Lyon. He managed to take 3-25, including two wickets, in the second innings, but the match was effectively won by the opponents.

Despite his talent, Lyon, turning 39 in November, remains confident he still has much to offer. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey noted that the quicks were effectively handling the game, possibly due to the beneficial bounce and spin. Lyon is convinced he has not lost any of his art and guile, which have earned him 571 wickets in 143 test matches.

His dismissal from the Ashes due to a hamstring injury was his first in 13 years of home tests. Upon his return, his frustration was palpable, describing his mood as "absolutely filthy" in a TV interview. Despite this setback, he remains convinced of his value to the team. The October tour of South Africa is expected to be dominated by pace, with Boland awaiting another opportunity.

Australia also has Cameron Green and Beau Webster as bowlers to share the workload, while Travis Head provides part-time spin. "You could easily say Nathan can play every test match, (if) it just lines up well," Carey remarked. However, the selectors are being advised to maintain flexibility across different surfaces.