Nathan Lyon has opened up on the brave but ruthless sled he adopted from young Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal during Australia’s 295-run defeat by India in the opening Test in Perth.
Jaiswal has burst onto the scene in the past year as one of the most exciting batsmen in Test cricket after scoring an impressive 171 runs on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2023.
He then tormented England in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot, hitting a pair of double centuries, before arriving in Australia last week to lead his side to their dominant win in Perth.
Despite being dismissed for nothing in the first innings, Jaiswal smashed a whopping 161 runs in his second appearance at the crease, masterminding India’s crushing victory.
It seems he has also had a bit of fun with some of Australia’s best bowlers, particularly poking fun at Test great, Lyon.
In an appearance on SEN 1170’s The Run Home with Joel & Fletch, Lyon was asked whether the tourists had been ‘happier’ than expected during the first Test.
Nathan Lyon has opened up on the brave sledge he got from a young Indian batsman
Lyon said Yashasvi Jaiswal (left) had brilliantly called the Aussie Test a ‘legend’ before delivering the sled
Lyon would take two wickets in Australia’s first Test defeat to India in Perth
The 37-year-old responded by saying, “Yes, especially with young Jaiswal.
‘He said, “You’re a legend, but you’re old!”
“He said that to me while I was bowling!”
When asked if he had ever dismissed the young Indian batsman, Lyon said: “No, he said that to me after he must have been about 120 years old at that time. All good son.”
Commenting on the sledge, Lyon said he had no comeback but responded to the Jaiswal by saying, “I appreciate that buddy. I don’t feel that old.’
With both Jaiswal and Virat Kohli hitting centuries in the second innings of the first Test, Lyon was pressed on which of the two batters he would prefer to dismiss.
The legendary Australian spinner paused for a moment and said, “Both.”
The sled comes after his teammate. Mitchell Starc was also taunted by the young Indian batsman during the opening match, with Jaiswal revealing that there was a heart-warming reason behind the sledge.
Jaiswal shone for India at the Optus Stadium and went on to score 161 runs
The 22-year-old batsman also taunted Mitch Starc (right), one of his cricketing heroes
When he faced the Australian pace bowler, Jaiswal had told Starc, who took three wickets during the match, that his deliveries were: ‘Coming too slow.’
Jaiswal has an inspiring story: he grew up in the slums of Mumbai, living in a tent and often going to bed without food.
He revealed that Starc was one of his idols growing up and it was his dream to meet the Aussie Test bowler.
“When I was a little kid, I saw Starc bowling, so I wanted to face it and enjoy his bowling,” he added.
‘He bowled very well, and he bowled very fast.’
Ahead of the second Test in Adelaide on Friday, Australia will have a new face in their side as they look to bounce back from last week’s loss.
Pat Cummins has confirmed that Scott Boland has been parachuted into the Australian bowling line-up to replace Josh Hazlewood, who will be absent due to a side strain.
Mitch Marsh has also been declared fit to play, despite doubts about his fitness.
Scott Boland has returned to the Test squad in place of Josh Hazlewood for the Adelaide Test
“Normally there’s a little bit of leeway, which suits Scotty quite well… as captain it’s pretty great to have Scotty come in straight away,” Cummins said.
Cummins also dismissed claims that his side was under pressure given the nature of the defeat Australia suffered in Perth.
“Every Test match there is pressure,” Cummins said.
“When you’re down there’s a little bit more, but we’ve been in similar situations in World Cups or other series… we know we weren’t at our best last week, we’ve got a few things to work on.
“Everyone has a lot of personal pride.”