<h2>Australia Makes Shock Selection Call as XI Unveiled for Second Ashes Test&nbsp; - Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Australia has sprung a selection surprise by dropping Nathan Lyon and recalling Michael Neser for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba</p> <p>- Josh Inglis earns his first home Test appearance after replacing injured Usman Khawaja in the batting line-up</p> <p>- England win the toss and elect to bat first in the day-night encounter with Australia leading the series 1-0</p> <p>Australia has delivered a stunning selection bombshell ahead of the second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba, dropping veteran spinner Nathan Lyon while recalling Queensland's Michael Neser.</p> <h2>Major Selection Shake-up at the Gabba</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The hosts' decision to omit Lyon represents the biggest talking point heading into the day-night clash, with the 38-year-old off-spinner paying the price for managing just two overs during Australia's dominant eight-wicket victory in Perth.&nbsp;</p> <p>Neser's inclusion marks his first Test appearance in three years, with all three of his previous caps coming under lights, establishing him as something of a pink-ball specialist.</p> <p>The Queenslander's recall addresses a crucial weakness in Australia's lower-order batting, particularly with captain Pat Cummins still sidelined through injury. Neser brings substantial batting credentials to the No.8 position, boasting five first-class centuries and a near 30 average at Sheffield Shield level.</p> <p>Josh Inglis has secured his first home Test after stepping in for the injured Usman Khawaja, slotting into the No.7 position as Travis Head maintains his explosive opening role that devastated England's bowling attack in the series opener.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>England's Response and Toss Decision</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first under the Brisbane floodlights, backing his team's ability to post a competitive total on a traditionally batter-friendly Gabba surface.&nbsp;</p> <p>The tourists made one change from their Perth defeat, bringing in off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks to strengthen their batting depth after Mark Wood was ruled out through injury.</p> <p>The inclusion of Jacks signals England's intent to match Australia's aggressive approach, with the Surrey player capable of providing both middle-order stability and additional bowling options in the day-night format.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Series Context and Expectations</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Australia enter this crucial encounter holding a 1-0 advantage following their comprehensive victory at Optus Stadium, where their bowling attack dismantled England's batting line-up twice.&nbsp;</p> <p>The hosts' willingness to make significant changes despite their winning position demonstrates their commitment to condition-based selection policies.</p> <p>Steve Smith continues as captain in Cummins' absence, with the regular skipper's return timeline remaining uncertain as he manages a lower-back complaint that has troubled him throughout the summer preparation period.</p> <p>Brisbane's day-night atmosphere promises to provide the perfect backdrop for what shapes as a pivotal moment in the series. Australia's selection gambles, particularly the Lyon omission, will face immediate scrutiny as they look to extend their series lead before the contest moves to Adelaide.</p> <p>The Gabba has traditionally favoured Australia, with the fortress-like reputation built over decades of home dominance. However, England's decision to bat first suggests confidence in their ability to challenge that record, setting up what promises to be a fascinating battle between bat and ball under the Queensland lights.</p> <p>Both teams understand the significance of this encounter, with Australia seeking to build momentum towards retaining the urn, while England desperately need a response to keep their Ashes hopes alive.</p>