Nathan Lyon voiced his disappointment after being dropped from Australia‘s playing XI for the third Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Despite being fully fit and available for selection, his omission caught both him off guard. The decision was a tactical one aimed at strengthening the pace attack, as conditions were expected to favour fast bowlers in the pink-ball day-night format.

Selectors, including Tony Dodemaide, clarified that Lyon’s exclusion was due to “exceptional circumstances” and not to his fitness or form.

Regarding his exclusion, Lyon stated, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “There’s no point hiding, I was upset with the decision, but I completely understood it.”

“I was disappointed on a few fronts. First, I truly believe I can contribute under any circumstances, and I still stand by that. Secondly, I was upset not being able to walk out on the field with Starcy. Having played nearly 90 Test matches with him, it would have been incredible to share his 100th match together. However, I was still there, running drinks, and felt involved in the moment.”

Mitchell Starc‘s record-breaking performance in his 100th Test marked a historic match against the West Indies. He took the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, claiming 5 wickets in just 15 balls, including three in his first over, finishing with 6/9.

The West Indies were bowled out for 27, the second-lowest total in Test history. Scott Boland claimed a hat-trick, further dismantling the West Indies. Australia triumphed by 176 runs, securing a 3-0 series victory.