Pietersen said that Australia hoped Lyon got hit by a bouncer so that they could bring in Murphy.
Speaking in between innings on Sky Sports, Kevin Pietersen said that Australia sent Nathan Lyon out there thinking he might get concussed so they can bring on Todd Murphy as a substitute.
Lyon came out to bat despite having a serious calf strain which ruled him out of this Test when it came to bowling and probably out of the remainder of Ashes 2023 as well.
“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 said.
Lyon said he found this argument very absurd as he lost one of his friends due to being hit on the head. Lyon, was on the field when Phillip Hughes was fatally killed by a bouncer at the SCG in 2014.
“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.
“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 added.
Lyon faced just 13 balls and scored four runs, but earned a standing ovation from the crowd at the Lord’s for his dedication towards his team.