Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon has hit back at former England captain Kevin Pietersen for suggesting that Lyon only batted during the Ashes Test to get concussed. Pietersen’s comments have sparked controversy during the ongoing Ashes 2023 series.
Lyon, who had injured himself earlier in the Lord’s Test, came out to bat on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test to help his team put up a few more runs on the scoreboard. However, Pietersen raised doubts about Lyon’s intentions, suggesting that Australia may have used it as a ploy to get a substitute player in case Lyon suffered a concussion.
Pietersen said, Imagine if he (Lyon) had been hit on the head and got a concussion, he’d have got a like-for-like replacement and a world-class spinner (Murphy), based on how he performed in India, it gives food for thought.
In response, Lyon reminded Pietersen of the tragic incident involving Phil Hughes, a close friend and former teammate of the Australian off-spinner. Lyon emphasized that he and his team would never take any chances with a head injury and called Pietersen’s comments a poor conversation.
Test cricket’s been around a lot longer than I have and injuries are part of the game, Lyon stated. 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 mates due to being hit in the head, so I think that’s a really poor conversation being had, if I’m honest with you.
Lyon further expressed his opinion on player substitutions due to injuries. He suggested that only in the case of concussions should the International Cricket Council (ICC) allow the usage of substitutes, while for other injuries, replacements should not be permitted.
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 any other injuries, no. That’s my opinion, Lyon explained.
Lyon’s response came after Australia dominated the second Ashes Test, taking a commanding position by dismissing four England batters for just 114 runs by the end of Day 4.
Controversial comments from Pietersen and Lyon’s reaction have added spice to the ongoing Ashes series. While Lyon defended himself and highlighted the importance of player safety, Pietersen’s remarks have been met with criticism for suggesting that a player on the opposing team would purposely put themselves at risk.
The conversation surrounding player substitutions and injuries will likely continue as the series progresses. Lyon’s emotional response serves as a reminder of the dangers and potential consequences of head injuries in cricket. The Ashes 2023 continues to captivate fans with its intensity and drama on and off the field.
Neither Australia nor England has commented officially on the matter, and the spotlight will now turn to the upcoming matches as the teams battle it out for the coveted Ashes urn.
