NEW DELHI: Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith moved quickly to calm the chatter surrounding Nathan Lyon's omission for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, insisting the call was purely tactical. Smith stressed that team management wanted to bolster the pace attack for the Gabba conditions and that the decision had "nothing personal" attached to it.

Lyon, who was left out of a home Test for the first time in 13 years, admitted he was "absolutely filthy" about the move. Selector George Bailey later clarified that the veteran spinner's exclusion was a "one-Test decision" and assured that the 38-year-old will return to the playing XI for the third Test in Adelaide.

"It could have gone a few different ways, and it's certainly nothing against Nathan. He's a freak," Smith was quoted as saying post-match by Fox Sports.

‘Weak men won’t survive': Ben Stokes fires stern warning to England

Australia cruised to an eight-wicket win over Ben Stokes' England in the Brisbane Test on Sunday, extending their advantage to 2-0 in the five-match series.

"He's (Lyon) been our spinner for such a long time, but the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after," added Smith.

Smith hails Michael Neser

Australia's lower order stepped up in style, with pacers Michael Neser (16) and Brendan Doggett (13) chipping in and Mitchell Starc smashing a superb 77 to push the hosts to a formidable 511 late in their first innings.

Neser then starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul in the second innings to seal Australia's commanding victory.

"(Neser) offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight, and forces batters to take risks when the ball isn't as quick or is skidding. But it's nothing against Nathan. He's unbelievable and he's done it for so long."

Lyon stands seventh in the all-time list of wicket-takers with 562 Test scalps and is the second-most successful Australian spin bowler after the legendary Shane Warne in the five-day game.

Labuschagne drops big hint on Lyon's return

Australia's top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has indicated the selectors might be tempted to recall Lyon to ensure balance in the side for the Adelaide Test from December 17 after being dropped for the Pink-ball game in Brisbane.

"I'm not a selector, but what I will say is the same way they (selectors) looked at this game, they looked at the game objectively and said what was the best way for us to win this game (in Brisbane) with all the information we have on pink-ball cricket," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by ICC.

"What plays, what favours it's been (in past Tests). Is it pace or whatever that is or what type of bowler? And then they make the decision," he added.

Labuschagne was all praise for Michael Neser, who took his maiden five-for in the second innings.

"To see him (Neser) take five wickets with an old ball...it was awesome. There was a moment earlier in the season where I was just like, 'Man, I hope he (Neser) gets his chance'. I saw the writing on the wall there that there's potential and for him to be able to come in and deliver," said Labuschange.

Meanwhile, Australia's regular skipper Pat Cummins looks certain to make a comeback to the side in Adelaide after a long injury layoff, while the hosts would be keeping a watch on the fitness of opener Usman Khawaja and pacer Josh Hazlewood ahead of the third Test.

(With PTI Inputs)