Nathan Lyon Responds To Kevin Pietersen Suggesting He Walked Out To Bat To Get A Concussion Sub For Australia

Nathan Lyon had sustained a leg injury but walked out to bat for Australia. However, Kevin Pietersen suggested that it could be a ploy to get a concussion substitute from the Aussies.

Nathan Lyon of Australia hits a four after a delivery from Stuart Broad (not pictured) of England during Day Four of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 01, 2023 in London, England

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Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen hasn't held himself back as a commentator at the ongoing Ashes 2023. He has spoken his mind and even if that had meant raising a few eyebrows, he hasn't at all let that affect him. Pietersen's punditry in the Ashes series has been just like the way he used to bat- fiery and flamboyant. While he has been in the news for some of the criticism that he bestwowed the Ben Stokes-led England side for some of their tactics in the series, this time around it was his remark that Australian off-spinner may have walked out to bat to get a concussion substititute that turned a few heads towards him.|

"Imagine if he (Lyon) had been hit on the head and got a 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," Pietersen had said.

However, this time around, the injured spinner Lyon has responded to the comment himself. Notably, Lyon sustained a serious injury while bowling and could not play any further part in the series. However, Pietersen suggested that had if he got concussed as he came out to bat, Australia would be able to field a spinner in the second innings. But Lyon has outrightly rejected the remark.

"Test cricket's been around a lot longer than I have and injuries are part of the game," Lyon told the media on Saturday.

"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," he added.

"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," he stated.

As far as the match situation is concerned, Australia look favourites to extend their lead 2-0 at the Lord's cricket ground in London. They have reduced England to 114/4, having set the hosts a a target of 371. Ben Duckett (50*) and Ben Stokes (29*) remain unbeaten in the middle.