WA Cricket are refusing to buy into speculation from former England captain Michael Vaughan over whether the Optus Stadium pitch could be doctored to better suit veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.

After Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday Josh Hazlewood would join fellow fast bowler Pat Cummins on the sidelines in Perth, Vaughan took to X to raise the possibility of the pitch being prepared with off-spinner Lyon, the seventh-leading wicket-taker in Test history, in mind.

“I just wonder if Australia will now attempt to make a dry track to make sure Lyon is hugely in the game… #JustSaying #Ashes,” Vaughan posted.

When contacted for a response to Vaughan’s suggestion, WA Cricket — who are responsible for the preparation of the pitch —declined to comment.

Lyon has a standout record at Optus

See Full Page