Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has never been one to mince words, and his latest comments on the Oval handshake saga have added a cheeky twist to the ongoing drama in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Taking a humorous swipe at England’s controversial decision to offer a draw late in the fourth Test, Lyon didn’t hold back.

The drama unfolded when India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both in their 80s, helped the visitors recover from a massive 311-run deficit. With just an hour left in the match, England skipper Ben Stokes proposed ending the game in a draw. India declined and chose to play on, which irked the English players.

Ben Stokes and his teammates reportedly surrounded the Indian batters, offering a few verbal jabs, while also bringing in part-time bowlers to preserve their frontline attack. Jadeja and Sundar went on to notch up their centuries, after which India agreed to settle for a draw.

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Nathan Lyon, speaking from Australia, was asked how he would have approached the situation if he were in England’s shoes. With a grin, he responded, “Get them out. Don’t let them get a hundred.” It was a pointed reminder of Australia’s aggressive mindset — play hard, finish stronger.

He also criticised the lifeless surfaces in England, stating that the essence of Test cricket lies in the battle between bat and ball. “Fans want to see a proper contest. What we’ve seen in England lately isn’t that,” Lyon remarked. “Australian pitches give you that — a real challenge for both batters and bowlers.”

Lyon, recently dropped for the pink-ball Test against the West Indies, admitted it was a tough pill to swallow. While he understood the tactical decision to opt for an extra seamer on a green top, the emotional sting lingered.

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“I believe I can contribute in all conditions,” he said. “But missing out on walking beside Starcy in his 100th Test? That hurt. We’ve played almost 90 Tests together. That moment would’ve meant a lot.” Despite the disappointment, Lyon remained a team man — running drinks, cheering on from the sidelines, and staying involved in the game he so dearly loves.