Lyon dropped as Australia bowl first in South Africa Test

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 09:08 · Archive

Nathan Lyon has been left out of a red-ball Test for the first time in 13 years, with Scott Boland brought into Australia's side for the second Test against South Africa. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first at St George's Park in Gqeberha, where the wicket is green and gloomy skies overhead suggest favourable conditions for fast bowling. Australia have selected four quicks to attempt to wrap up the series.

Lyon has been overlooked twice when fit for pink-ball encounters in the past 18 months, but has played every daytime Test for Australia since July 2013. It is the only change to Australia's side, with Nic Maddinson remaining at the top of the order and Matt Renshaw at number 5 after his first Test performance.

South Africa have made three changes, welcoming back pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada in place of spinner Keshav Maharaj, with Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke coming in for Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne. Light rain persisted across Gqeberha on Sunday morning, with more forecast over the opening two days of the Test. A win will wrap up the series for Australia, with the third Test in Cape Town to follow.

How it is being reported

• Lyon out as Australia bowl first on green wicketScott Boland has been called into Australia's second Test side in place of Nathan Lyon, after the tourists won the toss and sent South Africa in.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 08:43
• Lyon out as Australia bowl first on green wicketScott Boland has been called into Australia's second Test side in place of Nathan Lyon, after the tourists won the toss and sent South Africa in.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 08:43

In this story: Nathan Lyon · Scott Boland · Australia · South Africa · St George's Park · Gqeberha

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