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Lyon left out as Australia go all-pace and bowl first on damp day

Kagiso Rabada returns for South Africa with Keshav Maharaj squeezed out as they look to level the series

By Andrew McGlashan · Cricinfo

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:59 AM

Key Things to Know

Australia omitted Nathan Lyon to field an all-pace attack against South Africa in Gqeberha.
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first in damp conditions.
Scott Boland was selected in place of Lyon, marking Lyon's first red-ball Test omission since 2013.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Australia decided to bowl first after leaving spinner Nathan Lyon out of a red-ball Test for the first time since 2013, selecting an all-pace attack featuring Scott Boland against South Africa in Gqeberha. Captain Pat Cummins cited damp conditions and Boland's seam movement as key factors in the selection choice following overnight and morning rain.

South Africa welcomed back fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and dropped spinner Keshav Maharaj while retaining specialist Simon Harmer. The hosts also handed a debut to Marques Ackerman as an opener and recalled middle-order batter Matthew Breetzke.

Read the full article on Cricinfo

Lyon left out as Australia go all-pace and bowl first on damp day

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