Table of Contents
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has conveyed a special message to Mitchell Johnson ahead of the first Test match of the three-game home series against Pakistan, commencing in Perth on December 14.
Mitchell Johnson’s remarks on David Warner’s farewell stir headlines
Johnson’s controversial comments about David Warner receiving a home farewell in red-ball cricket, despite concerns about his form, grabbed headlines before the series opener. The situation escalated when Johnson disclosed that he did not receive an appropriate text message from Warner, involving more former Australian cricketers in the saga.
Nathan Lyon’s message for Johnson ahead of first Test
As the first Test approaches, Lyon has affirmed that he harbors no grievances with ex-teammate Johnson, notwithstanding the latter’s recent comments about Warner. The right-arm spinner also expressesd a willingness to engage in conversation with Johnson, given the opportunity in Perth.
“If he’s around the ground I’ll say hello to him, I’ve got no dramas with saying hello. He was pretty incredible in that 2013-14 Ashes, and I’ve got some very fond memories of it, that’s for sure,” Lyon was quoted as saying by Sen.com.au
Also READ: SA vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar slams Cricket South Africa after rain forces abandonment of 1st T20I
Lyon’s determination: Eyeing the exclusive 500-wicket club
Lyon has further emphasized that retirement is not on his mind at the moment. With an impressive record of 122 Test appearances and 496 wickets, he is just four short of reaching the 500-wicket milestone and joining the exclusive club of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.
“I’m not putting a number on it. I want to play cricket for as long as I can. I didn’t win in India and I haven’t won in England, and it’s two places I want to do. I feel like there’s a passion there to keep going – I’m definitely not putting a line through where I can get to,” the 36-year-old added.
“It’s something I’m extremely proud of and when you look at it you’re slowly creeping your way up on two Australian greats who are the only two guys who have taken over 500 wickets for Australia. It’s pretty amazing when you potentially see your name up alongside those guys,” the New south Wales-born concluded.
