Nathan Lyon has leapt to the defence of George Bailey after Steve Waugh took a swipe at Australia's selection chairman ahead of the first Ashes Test, while calling for calm around the highly acclaimed but ageing bowling unit.

Speaking prior to the announcement of Australia's 15-man squad for the Perth Test, which was named on Wednesday, Waugh said Bailey would have to make some difficult calls on veterans and suggested the selection chief hadn't had the gumption to do so at times in the past.

"George Bailey's going to have to make some tough calls, and I think in the past he hasn't really had the appetite for that at times, so he's going to have to step up to the plate with the other selectors because it is a time of transition," Waugh said ahead of the Perth Test, beginning on November

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