(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Australia off-spinner Nathon Lyon, ahead of the much-anticipated Test series against Pakistan starting in Perth on Thursday, staunchly defended his compatriot and opening batter David Warner amid recent criticism from former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson.
Warner, who is on the verge of concluding his illustrious Test career after the three-match series against Pakistan, faced sharp words from Johnson in a recent column. Johnson questioned why a player involved in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, like Warner, was allowed to choose his own retirement date and receive a hero’s farewell.
Lyon, a veteran with a deep cricketing bond with Warner spanning over 13-14 years, offered a robust defense.
“Knowing David for the last 13-14 years, when he seems to be backed into a corner he seems to play his best cricket, so I am backing him,” Lyon said as quoted to the reporters.
Lyon expressed confidence in Warner’s ability to shine in what is final Test assignment, emphasizing that the Australian public does not realise his importance
“I don’t think the Australian public realise the importance of David over the last 13 years or however long it is (that he has played),” Lyon added.
Having played over 100 Test matches alongside Warner, Lyon highlighted the opener’s remarkable contributions to Australian cricket.
“I think I have played over 100 Test matches with David and to see what he has been able to do for Australia is quite amazing so, I am looking forward to see him come out here, that is for sure.”
The 37-year-old Warner has scored 930 runs Test runs since the start of year 2022, which includes one double-hundred and four fifty-plus scores. Overall, he has an illustrious career record, amassing 8487 runs in 109 Test matches with an impressive average of 44.43, accompanied by 36 half-centuries and 25 centuries.