Nathan Lyon's exclusion from the limited over formats continues to be a mystery

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon is defined by his calm nature and the broad smile his face. The 29-year-old plays the game in its true spirit and often involves himself in friendly conversations with the batsmen in and the umpires. He is a complete misfit in the Australian team which has been always known to be ruthless and aggressive. However, there was one particular incident when even the harmonious Nathan Lyon lost his cool.

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The incident roots back to a press conference when Nathan Lyon was challenged with a question on his persistent omission from the Australian team as far as the limited overs format is concerned. Lyon made his frustration public immediately and asked the reporter to ask this question to Rod Marsh, who was the chief selector of the team at that time. The question pissed off the Aussie to such an extent that he followed up his comment by storming out of the room.

Rod Marsh is no longer the selector of the side, but the selection panel continues to be harsh on Lyon. Lyon has played just 13 ODIs and a solitary T20 game in the yellow jersey of Australia in a time period that stretches over 5 years. Lyon has not been included in the ODI squad for the tour of India and it has not come as a surprise.

Former skipper Michael Clarke believes that Nathan Lyon deserves his deserved bit of chances in the limited over games. Speaking about the same Clarke said “I have always wondered and brought up this question myself a few times as why Nathan is not playing as many limited-over matches, as he should have. Obviously, it’s the selectors’ call, but I can’t help wondering about Nathan, especially when he’s bowling so well in the subcontinent,”.

Australia have experimented a lot in the 50 over games with Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar and even with old horses such as Xavier Doherty, since Nathan Lyon’s arrival in the international scenario. None of them have come up with mind-boggling performances to seal their spot in the team. Adam Zampa took only too wickets in the whole ICC Champions Trophy campaign but still, Nathan Lyon continues to wait for his opportunities.