Nathan Lyon slams Kevin Pietersen's 'conspiracy theory'

Kevin Pietersen said injured Nathan Lyon came out to bat with a mindset of getting a concussion substitute.

Former England Captain Kevin Pietersen is facing a backlash over a comment. Kevin Pietersen is currently part of the Commentary panel of the Ashes 2023. Pietersen on day 4 propagated a shocking conspiracy theory when injured Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon came in to bat. Pietersen said that Nathan Lyon should get concussed to let Todd Murphy come into the bowl in the final innings. Australian off-spinner also criticised Kevin Pietersen’s statement later in the day. Nathan Lyon pulled up his calf muscle and is sitting out from the action apart from coming in to bat on day 4. Lyon has a severe calf strain and is struggling to walk properly. He was limping his way in and out of the middle. 

Nathan Lyon slams Kevin Pietersen

England’s legendary batter Kevin Pietersen said, “Imagine if he (Nathan 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 Todd Murphy, based on how he performed in India, it gives food for thought”. Replying to KP’s comment, Nathan Lyon said, “I have heard comments that I only went out there to get hit on 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 am honest with you”. Phil Hughes lost his life in 2014 after getting hit on the neck. Nathan Lyon reminded Kevin Pietersen about the same incident. 

Injured Nathan Lyon got a huge reception from the crowd and England’s dressing room when he walked out to bat as the last wicket for Australia. Lyon stayed there for 25 minutes and faced 13 balls. He also smashed a boundary and added a 15 runs partnership with Mitchell Starc for the last wicket. England need 257 runs to win on the final day with 6 wickets in hand. Ben Duckett (50) and Ben Stokes (29) are currently at the crease. Australia gave England a 371-run target in the final innings. Australia will use Travis Head and Steve Smith as spinners in place of injured off-spinner Nathan Lyon.