Lehmann leaning towards playing spinner Lyon in Perth Test

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon appears set to retain his spot for the third Ashes Test, with coach Darren Lehmann indicating an all-pace attack might not be the best option despite the bouncy WACA pitch at Perth, according to reports.

According to Fox Sports, all-rounder James Faulkner had been considered a strong chance to come into the team at the expense of Lyon at the pace-friendly venue, while quicks Nathan Coulter-Nile and Doug Bollinger are also on standby.

However, the high temperatures forecast for the Test against England beginning on Friday have Lehmann thinking twice and indicating Australia may field an unchanged team, the report said.

He said that it is going to be hot weather and getting up to 40 on Monday means they would play the spinner, adding that they would see who has come out fit from the second Test.

Australia played three quicks and a spinner - Lyon - in their last Test at the WACA a year ago, the report added.

They lost that match by 309 runs to South Africa, the report further said.