Nathan Lyon Shares Virat Kohli’s ‘Federer Moment’ from 2014 Adelaide Test

Published On: November 19, 2024 10:48 am

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon recently shared a humorous anecdote about Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli from the 2014 Adelaide Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Lyon, who described Kohli as the toughest Indian batter he has bowled to in his illustrious career, revealed a quirky exchange that showcased Kohli’s confidence and sense of humor on the field.

The Federer Connection

During a conversation, Lyon recalled Kohli’s playful banter during the match, where the batter kept uttering “Federer” every time he walked to the non-striker’s end. Puzzled by the unusual remark, Lyon eventually asked Kohli about it, to which the Indian cricketer replied, “I’ve got a beautiful forehand.”

“The one battle that stands out to me is the 2014 Test at Adelaide Oval, where he scored centuries in both innings. He was batting with such ease,” Lyon reminisced.

“He’d come down to the non-striker’s end and say, ‘Federer!’ I was like, ‘What’s this about?’ He kept doing it, and finally, I asked, ‘Mate, are we playing the wrong sport if you think you’re Roger Federer?’”

Nathan Lyon's "Federer" story about Virat Kohli from 2014 is simply incredible! 🤯 #AUSvIND

See the full video here: https://t.co/ITqfTokuKr pic.twitter.com/LsR7imr4Xz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 19, 2024

Kohli’s response left Lyon amused. “He just laughed and said, ‘Nah, I’ve got a beautiful forehand.’ I thought, ‘Fair enough!’ You know you’re a great player when you can joke around like that mid-innings,” Lyon added.

Kohli’s Heroics at Adelaide in 2014

The 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains one of the most memorable Test series for both India and Australia. In the opening Test at the Adelaide Oval, Virat Kohli, stepping in as captain for the first time in Tests due to MS Dhoni’s injury, produced a masterclass. He scored centuries in both innings, establishing himself as a force to reckon with in Australian conditions.

Kohli’s first tour of Australia during the 2011-12 series had already showcased his potential, but the Adelaide Test elevated his stature. Across 13 Tests in Australia, Kohli has amassed 1,352 runs at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

Australia’s Build-Up to the 2024-25 BGT

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be another intense battle as India and Australia gear up for the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, starting November 22. India will be without skipper Rohit Sharma for the series opener, placing added responsibility on Virat Kohli, who has an exceptional record in Australian conditions.

For the Australian team, Nathan Lyon is one of only four players from their current squad who were part of the side’s last Test series victory against India in 2014-15. Lyon, alongside skipper Pat Cummins, will be key to Australia’s hopes of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Australians have had tough times against India in recent years. India clinched a historic 2-1 series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour, a feat they repeated in 2020-21 despite an injury-ravaged squad. The visitors will now aim for their first-ever five-match series win Down Under.

A Battle to Watch

As the cricketing world waits for the clash between two of the sport’s heavyweights, Lyon’s anecdote about Kohli adds a lighthearted yet intriguing layer to the narrative. With Kohli in stellar form and Lyon determined to keep him in check, the battle between these two seasoned campaigners will undoubtedly be a highlight of the series.