Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon created a monumental piece of cricketing history on Thursday, moving past the legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers. The pivotal moment arrived on the second day of the crucial third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.
A Historic Milestone in Adelaide
Lyon, playing in his 141st Test match, captured his 564th career wicket by clean bowling England's Ben Duckett with a beautifully drifting off-break. This dismissal propelled him into outright sixth position among Test cricket's greatest wicket-takers, leaving fellow Australian icon Glenn McGrath (563 wickets) behind. The 38-year-old's achievement was met with roaring applause from the Adelaide crowd and playful mock dismay from McGrath himself, who was commentating on the match.
The Spell That Swung the Ashes Contest
The milestone was the highlight of a sensational opening spell by Lyon that demonstrated his undiminished value to the Australian side. Introduced into the attack in the 10th over with England comfortably placed at 37 for no loss, Lyon turned the game on its head within four deliveries.
He first dismissed Ollie Pope, who edged a turning delivery to Josh Inglis at midwicket. That wicket drew Lyon level with McGrath's tally of 563. Moments later, he produced the magic ball to Duckett, who misjudged the flight and line, to hear the satisfying sound of the off-stump being clipped. England's innings slumped from 37/0 to 42/3, handing Australia massive momentum going into lunch at 59/3.
Lyon's Journey and The Road Ahead
Affectionately known as 'Garry', Lyon made his Test debut in 2011 and has been a cornerstone of the Australian bowling attack for over a decade. His best bowling figures remain an impressive 8 for 50. Having retired from international white-ball cricket in 2019, Lyon has recently spoken about being in some of the best form of his career, and this spell in Adelaide was compelling evidence of that claim.
On the Australian all-time list, only the great Shane Warne (708 wickets) now stands above him. Globally, the trio of Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne, and England's James Anderson (704) are the benchmark. England's Stuart Broad (604) and India's Anil Kumble (619) are the next names in Lyon's sights as he continues his remarkable journey.
Earlier in the day, Australia were bowled out for 371 in their first innings, with Mitchell Starc scoring a brisk 54. England's Jofra Archer finished with a five-wicket haul. However, the day undoubtedly belonged to Nathan Lyon, whose landmark performance has placed Australia in a commanding position in a Test they must win to keep the Ashes series alive.
