In the second Test of the Ashes 2023, Australia is looking in a commanding position after claiming four wickets before stumps on Day 4. Australia needs just six wickets to win the game, while to level the series, England needs to score 257 runs on the last day of the game. It’s worth noting that the highlight of the day was Nathan Lyon coming to bat for Australia.
Lyon scored just four runs off 13 balls while batting at number 11 in the second inning. This comes after he got hurt during fielding on Day 2. However, speaking about the same, Kevin Pietersen questioned Australia’s intentions while sending Lyon to bat in the second inning. “Imagine if he (Lyon) had been hit on the head and got a concussion; he’d have had a like-for-like replacement and a world-class spinner (Murphy), based on how he performed in India; it gives food for thought,” Pietersen said.
Hitting back at Pietersen, Lyon rebutted and said that he lost one of his teammates during the game. “Test cricket’s been around a lot longer than I have, and injuries are part of the game. I have heard comments that I only went out there to get hit in the head, but I’m really against that. I have lost one of my friends due to being hit in the head, so I think that’s a really poor conversation being had if I’m honest with you”, said Lyon while talking to reporters.
There is no need for replacement for other injuries: Nathan Lyon
Further speaking about concussion replacement and its usage, Lyon said that the Apex Cricket Council should only allow replacement for head injuries. He said, “But no, I don’t think for soft tissue injuries there should be substitutes. But for concussion, it’s a pretty big risk, so I’m happy with that, but for any other injuries, no. That’s my opinion.”
It’s worth noting that Lyon injured his leg while fielding during England’s first innings on Day 2. His injury didn’t look good as he pulled out of the field. Meanwhile, In the second Ashes Test, Australia is in command, having sent four England batters packing for 114 runs by the end of Day 4.
Here is how fans reacted to Nathan Lyon’s comments:
Kevin Pietersen in proper Shoaib Akhtar mode now. ?
— Dr. Devashish Palkar (@psychidiaries) July 2, 2023
Kevin Pietersen’s assumption (or not) is in a poor taste. No doubt. But, given the Aussie track record, there is a good chance that he might be right.
— Jagan (@JaganDevanathan) July 2, 2023
Precisely why Pietersen got chucked out of the team for these kinda statements.
— Sudarshan (@nagaichhuvai) July 2, 2023
Lyon should do this according Ponting and KP pic.twitter.com/ej41ZacQ1G
— JoeCricket_ (@Joecricket_) July 2, 2023
Why can't they just introduce a substitute for players who get injured during a match (even 1 is fine!)
— Saiyam Babel (@SaiyamRJ) July 2, 2023
— Hitesh ???? (@hitesh5156) July 2, 2023
I hope those 14 runs in the partnership for the last wicket turns out to be the decider.. #Ashes @KP24 @NathLyon421
— Manjunathab (@iamrbmanjunatha) July 2, 2023
Ponting said the same thing, but KP will be criticised.
— Omkar Shrimali (@OmkarShrimali) July 2, 2023
KP is an overhyped commentator. Not all former players make good commentators.
— moodalapalya share auto (@deshmukhnaveen) July 2, 2023
Very irresponsible statement given by Peterson and fantastic reply by Lyon
— Aditya Kulkarni (@IAdityaKulkarni) July 2, 2023
Very irresponsible statement given by Peterson and fantastic reply by Lyon
— Aditya Kulkarni (@IAdityaKulkarni) July 2, 2023
I like this banter between aussies and Englishmen. Active and retired players also adding to this. It feels like a real rivalry. Throwing shade and stuff. Raises the stakes so much. Indian players tho always play nice. Kinda makes it boring and no stakes. Hence too many losses
— Nilofer James (@ElijahB33) July 2, 2023
