'Don't be surprised': Mark Taylor warns fans of possible selection shocks for first Ashes Test
Mark Taylor has warned Australian fans to be aware of the possibility that Nathan Lyon may not play in the first Ashes Test as selectors look to finalise the make-up of the team.
As the veteran spin bowler closes in on his 140th Test for the Australian side, Nine commentator 'Tubby' believes that Lyon may be overlooked for an all-arounder like Cameron Green.
"If Green is fit, he will play. When I say fit, I mean fit to bowl," Taylor said on Nine's Wide World of Sports.
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Taylor believes that if Green is fit, it then forces a difficult choice in the middle order with all-rounder Beau Webster likely the unlucky player to miss out.
"In my sight, unfortunately Webster doesn't play. They've got to get Green back into the side, but he has to bowl a few overs. Webster would be the unlucky one.
Nathan Lyon. ICC via Getty Images
"Don't be surprised, though, Australia has already done this once this year, if someone like Nathan Lyon doesn't play in the first Test," he added.
The selection conundrum leaves Lyon in a precarious situation.
"The only other way they can go is by playing all their quicks and Webster and Green, then not have an off-spinner.
"They've got Travis Head and Beau himself bowls a few offies. They might do that for Perth, which I don't like particularly. I think Nathan has to play, but don't be surprised [if that is to happen]."
During the selection process, Sam Konstas was also axed for the second time in his brief Test career.
Instead, Taylor backed veteran batter Jake Weatherald for his Test debut in the upcoming series.
"I'm not surprised he hasn't made the final 15," Taylor said of Konstas.
Sam Konstas after he was dismissed by Sam Skelly. Getty
"I really hope that Jake Weatherald plays. There is a lot of discussions around the batting, but I really hope he plays.
"I think they've got to start settling on an opening batting combination. Usman (Khawaja) is 39 in two weeks time, so he is not going to be playing for too much longer.
"They've got to get that younger [player in] - Jake is not that young, mind you, he is 31.
"But he has a few years left in him and he deserves that selection. So well done to him, I hope he plays at the top of the order."
The first Ashes Test starts on November 21 in Perth.
- with Sophie Wisely.
