Dyson scored 55 in a state trial game but was overlooked by NSW in favor of Trevor Chappell. This was controversial because it was felt the selectors had bias towards World Series players. However Dyson soon forced his way back into the side and had a reasonably successful season scoring 729 runs at 42. He was rewarded in selection for the Australian squad to tour England in 1980. He played three first class games with a top score of 33 and was overlooked for the Centenary Test.
