Australian ace spinner Nathan Lyon showed a lot of grit and determination to bat for the Baggy Greens in the 2nd innings despite having a major calf injury. The 35-year-old added a 15-run partnership alongside Mitchell Starc for the final wicket in the 2nd innings to set a massive target of 371 for England to win the second test at Lord’s.
The Australian spinner sustained an injury trying to chase down the ball on the Day 2 of the second test, as he walked out of the field in pain. The reports suggest that the Australian veteran take further in the series due to the Calf injury as many believe that young Todd Murphy might replace him in the team.
Speaking to the media at the End of the day 4 play, Nathan Lyon said that he was in constant touch with the medical team following his injury and he was well aware of the risks before going on the bat for the Aussies in the 2nd innings and added that he will do anything for his team, stating that even the 15 run partnership at the end can be crucial in high octane series like Ashes.
“I’ve been having conversations since it happened with our medical team. I knew the risks. But 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,” Nathan Lyon said.
Nathan Lyon became the first Australian bowler to play 100 consecutive test matches when he took the field for Baggy Green in Lord’s test and will crucial miss for the team in the 2nd innings. The Spinner played a crucial role in the team’s victory in the 1st test picking up 8 wickets and scoring important 16 runs in the chase on the 2nd innings.
I Love Playing Cricket For Australia, I’ll Do Anything For This Team – Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon expressed his gratitude play for Australia at the highest level, as he said that he will do everything to help his teammates to win the Lord’s test and revealed that it was his call to walk out to bat in the 2nd innings as his skipper Pat Cummins was little hesitant about him going out a bat and added that he will do anything for this team.
“I love this team. I love playing cricket for Australia. And if I can help out my teammates here and there, I’ll do that. It was my call. I spoke to Ron (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty. Patty was probably a little bit hesitant but I’ll do anything for this team, and I’d do it again tomorrow,” Nathan Lyon added.
Australia have a great chance of winning the second test in Lord’s test, as they require six wickets to win the match on Lord’s in the final day. England team has got Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes batting in the middle with Jonny Bairstow to come followed by a long tail.