Australia have made one of their boldest selection calls in recent memory and Nathan Lyon is far from impressed.

Just three Tests after selectors labelled his omission in Jamaica a “one-off” for “exceptional circumstances”, Lyon has again been sidelined for a day-night Test. This time, it’s at the Gabba, where Australia have rolled out an all pace attack under lights.

And the veteran off-spinner didn’t hide how he felt.

“Absolutely filthy,” Lyon said on Channel Seven, describing the moment George Bailey told him the news. “Can’t do anything about it… just have to play my role and get the boys ready.”

Lyon’s omission had been quietly floated since the first Test ended, with several factors working against him:

• He bowled just a handful of overs against England’s ultra-aggressive batting line-up.
• Last summer, he sent down only one over in Adelaide’s day-night clash against India.
• Australia’s data suggested the pink ball, especially at the Gabba, rewards seam significantly more than spin.

Even so, Lyon’s elite day-night record 43 wickets at 25.62 had many assuming he’d still get the nod.

But when selectors Steven Smith, Andrew McDonald and Bailey gathered for a final pitch-side huddle, the decision went the other way.

Lyon learned he’d been dropped only half an hour after arriving at the ground.

“I haven’t sat down properly with Ron [McDonald] or George,” he said. “I’m letting things settle in my own head… I’m gutted because I know the role I can play for Australia, especially at a venue like this.”

The 37-year-old has missed just two home Tests since his debut the last being in 2012 when Australia again fielded an all-pace attack at the WACA.

Chair of selectors George Bailey acknowledged Lyon’s frustration but said the call was tactical, not long-term.

“Nath will disagree — and that’s okay,” Bailey said. “This is a one-Test decision. He plays in Adelaide.”

Bailey emphasised that seam bowling, timing of new balls, and night-time conditions heavily influenced the choice.

Still, for it to happen twice in three Tests raises questions about where Lyon fits in pink-ball cricket going forward.

Lyon’s absence paved the way for Michael Neser, playing his third Test all in day-night conditions. With local knowledge and control under lights, Ricky Ponting said he understood the logic, but still called the decision “massive” given Lyon’s record.

“This is Neser’s home ground,” Ponting said. “But dropping Lyon at the Gabba — that’s a huge call.”

Lyon’s workload has been shrinking at home. Last season he bowled just 122 overs against India — the lowest of any home summer in his career.

He’s previously voiced concern about the declining role of spin in modern Test cricket:

“Younger spinners aren’t getting opportunities on day three and four wickets. Fast bowlers are dominating.”

And as surfaces across Australia continue favouring quicks, even a world-class spinner like Lyon is no longer guaranteed a place when the pink ball is in play.

Lyon will return for Adelaide’s day Test before the Boxing Day and New Year’s clashes at the MCG and SCG.