Opinion

Rohit Sharma a world-class player: Nathan Lyon

Written by Vipin Darwade

Rohit Sharma quickly turned around the mood of fans on social media, as he was dismissed in an unconventional manner by Nathan Lyon, just 6 runs shy of his second half-century of the series. While Rohit faced criticism for the nature of his dismissal, Lyon feels he ‘bowled his best delivery’ to the Indian batsman.

Rohit attracted criticism for his shot selection by many fans on social media as well as Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar who called his performance irresponsible. Lyon, however, gave more insights into his duel with Rohit during the match.

Speaking to the broadcasters as rain interrupted play on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test, Lyon termed Rohit a ‘world-class’ batsman against whom he tried to bowl his best delivery to get rid of him.

“The crowd’s been amazing, Rohit is a world-class player and tried to bowl him my best ball,” Lyon said during the break before stumps were called due to excessive rain.

Lyon, who is playing his 100th Test for the Aussies, also spoke about the Covid-19 protocols in Brisbane that don’t allow players to go out of the bubble to have meals with friends and family.

“It would’ve been nice to go out for dinner with everyone, including my parents but there are bubble restrictions,” said the spinner.

The spinner also said that he is eagerly looking forward to his duel with Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant.

“It was like a Day 3 wicket yesterday, and there’s a nice crack outside off-stump so I’m trying to aim at that. Rishabh always tries to smash me so I’m looking forward to bowl to him, it’s always a great battle with him,” Lyon said.

About the author

Vipin Darwade