Nathan Lyon ‘Filthy’ After Gabba Drop – Root’s 135* Makes Australia Regret All-Pace Gamble

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Nathan Lyon “Absolutely Filthy” After Being Dropped – Root’s 135* Rubs Salt in Australia’s Wound!

Brisbane, 4 Dec 2025 – Nathan Lyon has never minced words, and today he didn’t hold back: “I’m absolutely filthy.” For the first time in 13 years and 66 home Tests, Australia’s greatest off-spinner found himself in civvies watching Joe Root plunder an all-pace attack for an unbeaten 135 on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

While Root celebrated his long-awaited first Ashes century in Australia, Lyon was left throwing a rugby ball in frustration on the boundary edge. Australia’s bold (some say bizarre) decision to go with five seamers and no specialist spinner backfired spectacularly as England closed on a commanding 325 for 9.

Lyon’s home Test streak: 66 matches (2011–2024) → SNAPPEDRoot in Australia before today: Best 89 → Today: 135*

Australia’s regret level: OFF THE CHARTS

“I’m Filthy” – Nathan Lyon Breaks Silence

Speaking to reporters after stumps, the 38-year-old “GOAT” didn’t hide his emotions:

“I’m letting things settle down in my own head… I’m obviously pretty gutted because I know the role I can play, especially at a venue like this. I’m not the first player to miss a Test and I won’t be the last, but yeah… absolutely filthy.”

Lyon has taken 129 wickets at the Gabba at an average of 25.8 – the best of any bowler in Brisbane history. Today, he watched Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser bowl instead.

Selectors’ Damage Control: “Nath Will Play Adelaide”

Chair of selectors George Bailey tried to calm the storm:

“Very much a one-Test decision. Nath will disagree with the decision, and that’s perfectly OK. He’ll play in Adelaide – 100%.”

Translation: “We messed up, but please don’t retire in anger.”

Crawley: “Root’s Knock Has to Be One of His Best Ever”

Zak Crawley, who scored a classy 76 in a 117-run stand with Root, was full of praise:

“I forget some of his hundreds, that’s how many he’s got. But this has to be right up there. It was doing plenty when he came in at 5-2. He was so calm, so clear. Phenomenal knock.”

Crawley also revealed the last-wicket plan with Jofra Archer (32*):

“We said go really hard – win-win. Either quick runs or we bowl under lights. We were happy at 260… ending on 325-9? We’ve definitely won Day 1.”

Starc: The Lone Bright Spot for Australia

Mitchell Starc was the only Aussie bowler who looked dangerous, claiming 6-71 and passing Wasim Akram as the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history (415 wickets).

Even he admitted on Root:

“He played fantastically well. We’ve had a lot of good battles – today he won.”

Day 1 Scorecard Summary

England 325-9 (90 overs)
Joe Root 135* (181)
Zak Crawley 76
Jofra Archer 32* (26)
Mitchell Starc 6-71
Last wicket stand: 61* (Root-Archer)

Internet Reacts: Lyon Dropped = Biggest Blunder Since 2005?

Twitter/X went into meltdown:

“Dropping Nathan Lyon at the Gabba is like leaving Virat out at Wankhede”
“Australia just gifted Root his first Ashes ton in Australia”
“Lyon watching Doggett bowl = me watching my replacement at work”

What Next?

Day 2: England will look to push past 350. Australia open with Head and Labuschagne – under lights with the old ball? Could be spicy.

And Nathan Lyon? Already confirmed for Adelaide. Expect a fired-up “Garry” ready to spin Australia back into the series.

Final Verdict

Dropping your greatest home-soil bowler to play five seamers on a Gabba pitch that flattened out by tea? Bold strategy, Cotten… let’s see if it pays off.

For now, Joe Root stands tall, Nathan Lyon stands furious, and England hold the honours.

Ashes 2025? Very much alive.

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