Australia’s Nathan Lyon: Bouncer at Virat Kohli will help players past Phillip Hughes shock
Mitchell Johnson’s short-ball delivery hits helmet of India captain on third day of first test, but he goes on to rack up a ton
A Mitchell Johnson bouncer that struck India captain Virat Kohli on the helmet during the first test on Thursday might actually help players get past the shock of Phillip Hughes’ death, according to Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.
After taking the wicket of opener Murali Vijay before lunch on day three at the Adelaide Oval, a fired-up Johnson banged in a short ball, which struck Kohli flush on the badge of his helmet.
With all mindful of fallen batsman Hughes, who died in hospital two days after being hit in the neck by a bouncer, the Australian fielders bolted to the middle out of concern for Kohli, who took his helmet off to inspect it.
We know the helmets work, and ... have that confidence for our quicks to have a bouncer again
Though fans at the ground had applauded the first short ball that India’s Varun Aaron sent down to opener David Warner on day one, the Kohli hit hushed the terraces and Australia captain Michael Clarke consoled Johnson as he walked back to his mark visibly distressed.
Kohli was unharmed and went on to score a rousing 115 before Johnson returned to dismiss him late in the day.
Asked whether the blow and Kohli’s response might assist players still struggling to cope with the loss of Hughes, Lyon said it might be beneficial.