Lyon 'not surprised' at Pietersen's 'spinner targeting' tactics in Durham Test

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon said that he is not surprised by England batsman Kevin Pietersen's tactics of targeting him in the first day of the Durham Ashes Test, saying that he expected it of Pietersen given the type of cricketer that he is.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Pietersen targeted Lyon on Friday when he skipped down the wicket to Lyon with the first ball he faced and knocked him into the deep, although he got away with the false stroke even though he mistimed it as the ball fell behind the retreating fielder.

Even though the report said that Pietersen did nothing to deny the 'arrogant' image branded by Australian spin legend Shane Warne with his aggression and general indifference, however Lyon put a calm face to the issue, saying that he expected the attitude as Pietersen likes to take bowlers on as he is one of the best batsmen in the world.

The report mentioned that Pietersen again went at Lyon in his next over, taking him down the ground for two fours in a row, although the spinner had the last laugh when he drifted one across a prodding Pietersen with the fifth ball of his second spell, which caught the edge of the bat on the way to Brad Haddin's gloves.

According to Lyon, he has not taken any offence and instead loves such challenges thrown at him like Pietersen did, adding that for such reasons players love the game.

Stating that his success around the wicket is due to his natural variation, which is a mixture of his variations and trying to spin the ball back through the gate, Lyon also said that he is fortunate that his variation worked out well in the game.