Nathan Lyon Is An Off-Spinner With Zero Variations - Kevin Pietersen

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was critical of English batsmen for failing to go after Nathan Lyon, who he believes is an off-spinner with no variations in his bowling.

The second Ashes Test is ongoing at the Adelaide Oval where England is in deep trouble having conceded a mammoth 237-run lead in the first innings. Although Joe Root and Dawid Malan showed fight once again, none of the others could make meaningful contributions.

During the innings, Lyon managed to put pressure from one end by bowling maidens after maidens. This triggered Pietersen, who lashed out at both England and Lyon on Twitter.

Here’s Kevin Pietersen’s tweet:

“Can SOMEONE please smack Lyon?!?!! FFS! Off spinner with zero variations and bowling on world crickets flattest road!!!!” Pietersen tweeted.

Can SOMEONE please smack Lyon?!?!! FFS!
Off spinner with zero variations and bowling on world crickets flattest road!!!! #Ashes

— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) December 18, 2021

Interestingly enough, Pietersen’s average against Lyon is worse than his career average. Lyon is Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in Tests, recently having crossed the 400 wickets milestone. Only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have taken more wickets than Lyon.

Lyon also took three wickets in England’s first innings in Adelaide. Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes, and Ollie Robinson all fell to the 34-year-old Lyon, who ended with figures of 3/58 in 28 overs. Mitchell Starc was the star of the show with 4/37 in 16.1 overs.

England was bundled out for 236, thereby conceding a huge lead of 237. Australia decided to bat again to give its bowlers some rest before the second innings. David Warner and Marcus Harris started well before a miscommunication sent the former back. At the end of play, Australia was 45/1 with an overall lead of 282 runs.

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