Nathan Lyon Calls England Fans 'Ruthless'
Published - 27 May 2019, 11:16 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:00 AM
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Australia star Nathan Lyon has said he was not taken aback by England fans’ hostile reception for Steve Smith and David Warner. That Warner and Smith would be given a hard time by the English fans this summer was never under doubt and the way things panned out during the warm-up game between Australia and the hosts, one can only see things getting tougher for the duo.
The pair were greeted frostily at the Ageas Bowl as they made their first appearance against England since the end of their one-year bans for ball tampering. The boos, jeers, chants of ‘cheat’ were all around as the Englan fans did all they could to make life miserable for Smith and Warner. The former Australia captain and vice-captain did not look much worried as they impressed in Australia’s narrow 12-run win.
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While Warner scored 43, Smith scored a match-winning 116 as Australia warmed-up in style for the main event. Smith and Warner, nonetheless, are set to have even more tough time as Australia will play the Ashes immediately after the World Cup. Nathan Lyon, however, is unfazed by it as he called England’s fans ‘ruthless’.
“It was as expected – they’re ruthless over here,” he said.
“I’ve had two Ashes tours and a one-day series over here and haven’t experienced anything else. They’re ruthless and there’s not much love. They haven’t changed their lines in the last 12 months,” he added.
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The off-spinner further said that he would continue playing his usual cricket irrespective of what the situation is.
“I will play the cricket I’ve always played and make sure I wear my heart on my sleeve. I will be competing against whoever we’re playing,” said Lyon.
The World Cup, meanwhile, will start on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa in the opener. Australia will start their title-defense against Afghanistan on June 1.
