Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Updates: Virat Kohli top-scored with 77 as Delhi posted 254/9 against Gujarat in their Vijay Hazare Trophy game in Bengaluru.
“If Nathan was here, we’d probably still be having the same conversation as well.
“It’s certainly nothing to do with Todd’s skill. We know he’s a quality bowler.”
Joining Lyon and captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines is Josh Inglis, with quicks Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser included.
One of those three will miss out.
Luckless allrounder Beau Webster was an option to replace struggling Cameron Green due to his ability to bowl medium pace and spin.
But selectors are sticking with Green, who will slide down to bat at No.7 after wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s player-of-the-match 106 and 72 at the Adelaide Oval.
Veteran Usman Khawaja, who turned 39 last week, was preferred to Inglis after making 82 and 40 in the third Test in Adelaide.
Richardson is in contention to play his first Test in more than four years after a torturous run with injury.
The 29-year-old has impressed when playing for Australia in all three formats, including three Tests.
“He’s just got a great set of skills,” Smith said. “Swings the ball both ways.
“Seams it, accurate, a bit more skiddy than some of the others.
“When he’s had the opportunity at this level, he’s been outstanding.”
Doggett and Neser played in the second Test in Brisbane, but made way in Adelaide when Cummins and Lyon returned.
After retaining the Ashes in only 11 days, Australia will look to continue England’s tour of misery by completing a 5-0 whitewash for the first time since 2013-14.
