On Day 4 of the second Test of the Ashes 2023, when Australia needed as many runs as they could put on the board to set England a big target, an injured Nathan Lyon stepped up. Lyon, who was walking with the help of crutches on Day 3, showed an exemplary level of courage. He walked down one stair at a time. As he entered the ground hobbling, the Lord’s crowd erupted and lauded the bravery of Lyon. Even English fans could not stop themselves from acknowledging the ‘never give up’ attitude of Lyon for his team.
While people inside the stadium and millions watching on television were in awe of Lyon's bravery, former England captain Kevin Pietersen came up with a bizarre thought. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Australia might have sent Lyon to bat in an attempt to get him hit on the head which would then enable the Baggy Greens to utilise a concussion substitute.
"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," Pietersen said while commentating on Sky Sports.
The injured Australian spinner reacted to Pietersen's 'inconsiderate' comment and remained everyone of his 'good mate' Phil Hughes losing his life after being hit on the head in a live match. On November 27, 2014, Hughes fell to the ground after being hit by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield game and lost his life in an incident that saddened the cricket community around the world.
"Test cricket's been around a lot longer than I have and injuries are part of the game. 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," Lyon told reporters.
Lyon scored four runs from 13 deliveries and shared a 15-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Starc to help Australia post 279 and set a 371-run target.
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