Why does Ian Healy want Xavier Bartlett and Fergus O'Neill ahead of Nathan Lyon?

Ian Healy called for changes in Australia's pace bowling to win the 2027 Ashes in the UK. Australia lost the Test series in South Africa 2-1. Healy said Australia cannot win the 2027 Ashes because of batting issues and that batters are not making hundreds early in innings.

Healy called for Xavier Bartlett to be included in Test matches and for Fergus O'Neill to get exposure to Test pressure. Bartlett has taken 23 wickets in 12 ODIs at an average of 21.91, 24 wickets in 22 T20Is at an average of 22.83, and 127 wickets in 34 first-class matches at an average of just over 24. O'Neill took 35 wickets in nine Sheffield Shield matches at an average of 18.80. Healy said Lyon did not bowl consistently well enough and noted that the off-spinner is soon to turn 39.

The comments come after Australia's 2-1 series defeat in South Africa and signal a possible shift in selection priorities ahead of the next Ashes cycle.