'I Have Lost One Of My Mates...': Lyon Hits Back at Pietersen Over Controversial Concussion Substitute Remark
Nathan Lyon hobbled his way to the crease on Day 4 of Lord's Test (ICC Twitter)
Australian spinner, Nathan Lyon, has heavily criticized former England batter, Kevin Pietersen for suggesting that Australia intentionally sent him to bat in hopes of exploiting the concussion substitute rule if he were to be struck by a bouncer.
Nathan Lyon slams Kevin Pietersen's absurd claim
Lyon, who tragically witnessed the fatal injury of his friend Phillip Hughes in 2014, found Pietersen's argument absurd and insensitive.
Opening up on injuries in Test cricket while addressing the media, Lyon expressed his dismay at the notion that he willingly put himself in harm's way. Citing the tragic loss of a friend (Phillip Hughes) due to a head injury, the seasoned spinner clarified that he strongly opposes such conversations.
“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 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,” said Lyon.
The 35-year-old bowler, however, acknowledged the potential risks associated with concussions in cricket and supported the provision of substitutes in such cases.
“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,” added the veteran spinner.
While speaking on Sky Sports during the mid-innings break, Pietersen had speculated that Australia deliberately sent Lyon out to bat, hoping he would sustain a concussion that would enable them to replace him with Todd Murphy, who had performed brilliantly on the tour to India.
“Imagine if he (Lyon) had been hit on the head and got 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,” said Pietersen.
Meanwhile, despite nursing a significant calf strain, Lyon courageously took to the field on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test, albeit with a hobbling gait. His stint at the crease lasted 13 balls where he scored four and added 15 crucial runs alongside Mitchell Starc for the last wicket. The World No. 6 Test bowler's determined effort earned him a standing ovation from both spectators and English counterparts.
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