Nathan Lyon Recalls 'Dead Friend' To Smash Kevin Pietersen In The Face For His 'Concussion' Remark

Australia star Nathan Lyon has hit back at Kevin Pietersen after the latter made a highly controversial remark when the spinner walked out to bat on day four of the ongoing second Ashes Test at the Lord’s.

Lyon’s participation in the ongoing game as well as the series looked as good as over after he suffered a serious calf injury while fielding on day three. He had to be helped off the field by the team physio. On the fourth morning of the Test, the Australia spin spearhead came to the ground walking on crutches.

Unsurprisingly, when he bravely hobbled out to bat on day four, he received a warm reception from the Australian fans as well as the English fans. He received a deserving standing ovation from the fans as well as admiration from the England players. Lyon faced 13 balls for 4 runs and shared a valuable 15-run stand with Mitchell Starc for the last wicket.

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But while Lyon received praise from all over for putting his body on the line for the team’s cause, Pietersen had a different reaction to it. The former England batsman, who is known for making bold remarks, bizarrely suggested that Lyon only did so to get hit in the head. Pietersen suggested that Lyon could have been substituted out for a like-for-like replacement if he was hit on the head.

“I think [taking] time out of the game and also eking out every single run,” Pietersen said on Sky Sports broadcast as to why Lyon hobbled out to bat.

“[But] 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 [Todd Murphy] … it gives food for thought.”

Nathan Lyon slams Kevin Pietersen:

Pietersen’s commendation did not go down well with Nathan Lyon and the Australia star did not mince his words as he slammed him for the remark. The star spinner recalled the tragic demise of his former teammate Phillip Hughes who passed away after being hit by a bouncer.

Lyon was clearly emotional and was fuming after the day’s play as he heard Pietersen’s comments. The star spinner pointed out Hughes’ demise as he called Pietersen’s comment a ‘really poor excuse’.

“I have heard comments that people thought I went out there to get hit in the head, and I’m really against that because I’ve lost one of my mates due to being hit in the head,” he said referring to the tragic death of Hughes.

“So I think that’s a really poor excuse or conversation being had,” he added.

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Lyon was playing in the game between South Africa and New South Wales and was fielding just a handful of meters away when a bouncer from Sean Abbott hit Hughes on his neck. The former Australia batsman immediately fell to the ground and was taken to the hospital but never regained his consciousness. Lyon and his current Australia teammate David Warner were two of the first players to get to him before he later died in hospital.

“I was about ten metres away from Phil when he got hit that day. The memories are obviously pretty fresh, and obviously, he was a pretty good mate of mine and an unbelievable teammate as well. It’s one of those things you’re not going to let go,” Nathan Lyon said in 2020 while speaking on the Ordineroli Speaking Podcast.

Lyon was also emotional about missing out on the ongoing Test. The ongoing game is the 100th Test in a row for Australia. With the match set to go down to the wire, Lyon could not hide his emotions as he expressed his disappointment over not being able to bowl anymore in the Test.

“I have been absolutely shattered. I have been in tears, I have been upset, I have been hurting,” Nathan Lyon told reporters.

“That shows this team means everything to me. And I will start this rehab journey now to get back and play my role and keep loving what I am able to do. I’ve got a decent tear in my right calf. It is pretty obvious. I am sitting down with our medical team tomorrow and we will have a chat about that.

“Pretty shattering, pretty gutted. Pretty speechless if I am being honest. But I have a lot of confidence in that changeroom and just thrilled to be part of this team,” added Nathan Lyon.

Meanwhile, England were on 114 for 4 with Ben Stokes (29*) and Ben Duckett (50*) at the crease at stumps on day four. The hosts need 257 runs more to win the clash and draw level in the series.

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