I was sledged by Wade and Warner, says Shreyas Iyer

02/18/2017

Shreyas Iyer has revealed that he was sledged by Aussies Matthew Wade and David Warner during his enterprising innings of 85 against them in the ongoing warm-up match. The wicketkeeper-batsman hit five sixes during his knock, repeatedly hitting Nathan Lyon and Stephen O'Keefe over the top.

Young wicketkeeper Shreyas Iyer, one of the most promising wicketkeeper-batsmen in the domestic circuit, is confident that he will get to play for India one day.

"I don't think much on that, I try to play and score as many runs as possible. The side is packed (at present), but I know I will get a chance definitely to play for the country," said the 22-year-old, who scored an impressive 85 in the warm-up game for India A against the touring Australian side.

Iyer also revealed that during the course of his stroke-filled innings, he was sledged by Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and vice-captain David Warner.

"They started to sledge and said 'this guy does not have defense, he can play only attacking shots'. It was first Wade and then Warner too joined in. But I am used to this type of sledging, having toured Australia with India A teams in the past."

Iyer, who had two phenomenal domestic seasons before a not so amazing one this year, started by hitting Australian spinner Nathan Lyon for a first-ball six over long on. Later, he played more lofted shots against Lyon and Stephen O'Keefe and wasn't afraid to step out to them. His shots, he said were not pre-determined.

"I am happy they were not predetermined shots. It was important to take charge early and spread out the field. It worked out well," said Iyer.

Iyer ended as the biggest contributor in India A's score of 176 for 4 while replying to Australia's 469 for 7.