Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed the controversy surrounding Nathan Lyon’s snub from the second Ashes Test against England at Gabba, stressing that the decision was made to bolster the batting lineup and was not personal.

Lyon had described his mood as "absolutely filthy" after being left out from the playing XI for the first time in 13 years in a home Test.

Australia’s selection chief George Bailey had clarified that it was "very much a one-Test decision", guaranteeing the off-spinner's selection for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

In a bold selection call, the hosts made two changes to the side that won in Perth, with Michael Neser replacing Lyon and Josh Inglis replacing the injured opener Usman Khawaja. Neser joined Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett, as well as all-rounder Cameron Green, as Australia opted to go with an all-out pace attack in Brisbane.

The move worked wonders as Australia stormed to an eight-wicket victory in the second Test to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

"It could have gone a few different ways, and it's certainly nothing against Nathan. He's a freak," Smith said, as quoted by Fox Sports.

"He’s (Lyon) been our spinner for such a long time, but the extra batting and the way the tail hung in for 50 overs gave us the balance we were after," Smith added.

Contributions from Australia’s tail-enders, with Neser (16) and Doggett (13) supporting a strong 77 from Starc, helped the home side post 511 in the first innings.

After gaining a hefty lead of 177 runs, Australia bundled out England for 241 in the second essay and then chased down the paltry target of 65 with ease losing just two wickets.

Neser returned with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s thumping win.

"(Neser) offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, he hits the stumps, he keeps things tight, and forces batters to take risks when the ball isn't as quick or is skidding. But it's nothing against Nathan. He's unbelievable and he's done it for so long," Smith said.

The two teams will now square off in the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, slated to start on December 17.

Australia’s regular skipper Pat Cummins is expected to return to action in Adelaide after an extended injury hiatus, with the team monitoring the fitness of opener Khawaja and pacer Josh Hazlewood ahead of the third Test.