“This is why nobody likes him” - Twitterati lash out at Kevin Pietersen over his distasteful comments on Nathan Lyon 

Kevin Pietersen, Nathan Lyon
Kevin Pietersen is being slammed for his bizarre comments on Nathan Lyon. (Pics: Getty Images & Twitter)

Injured Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon won a lot of hearts for hobbling out to bat on Day 4 of the Lord’s Test against England on Saturday, July 1 in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series. Lyon injured his calf while fielding on Day 2 of the Test match and arrived at the ground on crutches the next day.

On Day 4 of the Lord’s Test, after Australia lost their ninth wicket, Lyon limped out to bat, stunning fans and critics. He scored four courtesy of a boundary and added 15 runs for the last wicket with Mitchell Starc (15*).

While Lyon earned a lot of plaudits for his brave act, former England batter-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen made a strange observation. He was heard as saying on Sky Sports:

"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], based on how he performed in India, it gives food for thought."

Twitterati slammed Pietersen for hinting that Lyon may have walked out to bat keeping the concussion substitute rule in mind. Here are some reactions to KP’s comments on Lyon:

Lyon’s dismissal saw Australia being bowled out for 279 in their second innings, setting England a target of 371.


Lyon hits out at Pietersen over concussion substitute comments

Meanwhile, Lyon also slammed Pietersen for suggesting that he walked out to bat on Day 4 of the Lord’s Test despite his calf injury with the concussion substitute rule in mind.

Speaking at the end of the day’s play, the veteran Aussie spinner said that he would never think of such a move since one of teammates [Phil Hughes] passed away after being hit on the head. In response to Pietersen’s views, Lyon commented:

'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. So I think that's a really poor excuse or conversation being had.”

On his decision to go out and bat despite being in immense pain, Lyon said that he wanted to contribute some crucial runs to the team’s cause. He said:

“I knew the risks. But the way I look at it, as I said before, I'll do anything for this team. You never know how big a 15-run partnership can be in an Ashes series. I'm proud of myself for going out there and doing that.”

Chasing 371, England went to stumps at 114/4 and need a further 257 for victory on Day 5.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now