“Get them out” - Nathan Lyon slams Ben Stokes & Co. for handshake controversy

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has opened up on the handshake controversy between England and India on the fifth and final day of the Manchester Test, which raised eyebrows due to the animated reactions from the English players after the Indian batters denied a handshake.

Advertisment

Speaking at an event, Lyon stated that England bowlers should’ve got the batters out instead of asking for a handshake with 15 overs remaining in the day. Notably, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar reached their respective centuries and later settled for a draw.

"Get them out. Don't let them get a hundred,” Lyon said at a sponsored event by the Melbourne Renegades.

Furthermore, Lyon is eager to take on the English team, led by Ben Stokes, in the upcoming Ashes campaign, scheduled to start later this year in Australia. He asserted that he has got some plans to restrict batters from attacking him.

Advertisment

"I totally expect them to come out and attack me. Every touring team says they're going to attack the spinner, so I'm used to that now. Guys trying to attack me brings me into the game. So I'm looking forward to that. I've got some plans, and I'm already writing down a few things I want to try to put in play and work on,” he said.

Additionally, Lyon disclosed that England has modified their Bazball approach slightly by reducing reckless batting, adding that it will be a tight contest between bat and ball, with Australia producing competitive wickets.

"I think Bazball has changed a little bit, they're now honestly talking about ways of how to win games and not being too reckless. But the conditions over here, it's alway been a great competition between bat and ball and that's the way Australia's produced wickets like that,” he observed.

Advertisment

"So it's going to be challenging for their batters and challenging for our batters. That's the way cricket should be, you want to see competition between bat and ball,” he asserted.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!