Nathan Lyon has opened up about the brave but brutal sledging he took from young Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal during Australia’s 295-run loss to India in the opening Test in Perth.
Jaiswal burst onto the scene over the past year as one of the most exciting batsmen in Test cricket, having scored a whopping 171 runs during his Test debut against the West Indies in 2023.
He continued to torment England in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot, scoring a couple of double centuries, before arriving in Australia last week to guide his team to their dominant victory in Perth.
Despite being dismissed for nothing in the first innings, Jaiswal scored a whopping 161 runs in his second appearance at the crease, leading India’s crushing victory.
He appears to have also had a bit of fun with some of Australia’s best bowlers, having notably outwitted him at Test Great, Lyon.
In an appearance in SEN 1170’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch, Lyon was asked if the tourists had been “more cheerful” than expected during the first test.
Nathan Lyon has opened up about the brave sledging he received from a young Indian batsman.
Lyon said Yashasvi Jaiswal (left) had called the Australian test a “legend” before handing over the sled.
Lyon would take two wickets during Australia’s first Test loss 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 told me that while he was bowling!’
Asked if he had ever dismissed India’s young batsman, Lyon said: “No, he told me that after he must have been around 120 at that time.” All good son.’
In response to the sledge, Lyon said he had no response, but responded to the Jaiswal by saying, “I appreciate that fellow.” I don’t feel that old.’
With Jaiswal and Virat Kohli hitting centuries in the second innings of the first Test, Lyon came under pressure on which of the two batsmen they would prefer to dismiss.
Pausing for a moment, the legendary Australian spinner said: “Both.”
The sledging comes after his teammate Mitchell Starc was also taunted by the young India batsman during the opening match, and Jaiswal revealed that there was a poignant reason behind the sledging.
Jaiswal dazzled for India at the Optus Stadium and amassed 161 runs.
The 22-year-old batsman also took a jibe at Mitch Starc (right), one of his cricketing heroes.
Approaching to face the Australian bowler, Jaiswal had told Starc, who took three wickets during the match, that his deliveries were: “They were coming too slow.”
Jaiswal has an inspiring story: he grew up in the slums of Mumbai, lived in a tent and often went to bed without dinner.
He revealed that Starc was one of his idols growing up and that his dream was to take on the Australian Test bowler.
“When I was a kid, I watched Starc bowl, so I wanted to face him and enjoy his bowling,” he added.
“He played very well and he played 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 defeat.
Pat Cummins has confirmed that Scott Boland has been parachuted into the Australian bowling line-up to replace Josh Hazlewood, who will be absent with a side strain.
Mitch Marsh has also been declared fit to play, despite doubts surrounding 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 pressure, which suits Scotty pretty well…as a captain, it’s awesome for Scotty to come right in,” Cummins said.
Cummins also dismissed claims his team was under pressure given the nature of the defeat Australia suffered in Perth.
“In any Test match there is pressure,” Cummins said.
“When you are down there is a little more, but we have been in similar situations in World Cups or other series… we know that we were not at our best last week, we have some things to work on.”
“Everyone has a lot of personal pride.”