Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been charged with a Level 1 breach of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct for his involvement in the run out of star South African batsman AB de Villiers. De Villiers was run out for a duck after being involved in a mix-up with opening batsman Aiden Markram, with David Warner playing a key fielding role in securing the crucial wicket. Lyon, who received the ball from Warner, dislodged the bails and dropped the ball towards De Villiers, who was lying on the ground after having dived to make his ground.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson has said that Lyon has been in constant touch with De Villiers to convey that the celebration was not intentional and has apologised too.
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith labelled Lyon’s actions unnecessary. “The Aussies were pretty fired up at that time pushing for a victory,” Smith told cricket.com.au.
“But he (Lyon) is an experienced cricketer. I think he’ll probably say it was unnecessary himself.”
