Shane Warne has labelled former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior as “silly and immature” after taking aim at Nathan Lyon following the Australia spinner’s mistake to gift Ben Stokes and the hosts victory in the third Ashes Test.
With England nine wickets down, Lyon blundered when handed the chance to run out Jack Leach to seal victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, while he was also denied the crucial wicket of Stokes when unable to review his lbw appeal.
With Lyon ever willing to engage in trash talk and sledging, Prior was quick to poke fun at him, writing: “Nathan Lyon #mothercricket #sleepwell.”
Warne immediately hit back: ”Excuse me? Just because Lyon knocked you over for fun, there’s still no need for that kind of silly and immature behaviour.
“Grow up, and enough of those stupid comments. Let’s celebrate the wonderful game of Test cricket and the Ashes please!
“It’s ridiculous all these cheap shots, just unnecessary! I’m all for banter and fun. I gave it and took it. But this is just ridiculous and childish from Matt Prior.”
But Prior failed to step down, “Wow! They’re good at giving it but not that great at taking it! Hope everyone is having a great day in the sun.
“Now it’s silly, immature and childish? Jeez you guys have short memories! I don’t think you can pick and choose when to hide behind “it’s just banter” and then decide it’s now childish and immature. Anyway as you say moving on...”
The former England batsman then brought up quotes from Lyon from 2017 when he claimed he was relishing the chance to “end careers” of England players, singling out Prior in particular after his retirement in 2014.
Lyon said at the time: “Matt Prior wanted to fly home before the third Test in Perth and he was one of their senior players. He was scared. It was four years ago. I think he’s all right now.”
Lyon surpassed Dennis Lillee in Australia’s all-time top wicket takers, moving up to third with 357 wickets.
The 31-year-old will now anticipate a hot reception at Old Trafford on September 4 when the fourth Test begins, with the series delicately balanced at 1-1 with two matches remaining.
