In a historic and humorous moment during the second day of the third Ashes Test, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon etched his name deeper into cricket folklore. He surpassed the legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath to become Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history. The milestone was met with a hilarious reaction from McGrath himself, who was on commentary duty at the Adelaide Oval.
A Record Broken, A Chair 'Attacked'
The pivotal moment arrived on December 18, 2025, as Australia tightened its grip on the match and the series against England. Nathan Lyon, playing in his 141st Test, captured two crucial wickets in his very first over. This took his career tally to 564, moving him one ahead of Glenn McGrath's iconic figure of 563 wickets, which the paceman achieved in 124 Tests.
The scene was made unforgettable by McGrath's presence. Cricket Australia's official handle shared a video where the cricketing great, upon seeing his record being broken, jokingly pretended to smash a chair in mock frustration. The clip instantly went viral, showcasing the sportsmanship and good humour between the two Australian icons.
Lyon's Long Road to the Milestone
This achievement did not come easily for the veteran spinner. Lyon had been stranded on 562 wickets for five long months, having been omitted from two of Australia's previous three Test matches. In the sole Test he played during that period—the Ashes opener in Perth—he bowled a mere two overs.
His return to form at Adelaide was devastatingly swift. His first over on Day 2 removed Ollie Pope, who flicked a catch to midwicket, and then clean-bowled Ben Duckett with a classic off-spinner's delivery that pitched on off and hit the top of the stump. This double strike not only boosted Australia but also propelled Lyon into an elite global list.
Where Lyon Stands in Cricket's Pantheon
With 564 wickets, Nathan Lyon now sits as the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the all-time Test rankings. The only bowlers ahead of him are modern greats: England's Stuart Broad (604) and James Anderson (704), India's Anil Kumble (619), and the two legendary spinners, Australia's own Shane Warne (708) and Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralidaran (800).
The record also reignited discussions about team selection, following Lyon's visible frustration at being dropped for the pink-ball Test just a week prior. In response, Australian coach Andrew McDonald strongly reaffirmed the team's strategy, stating, "We still do value spin. We want the spinner down one end and rotating the three quicks. That’s when we feel like we’re at our best."
As Australia marches toward a potential Ashes series victory, Nathan Lyon's milestone, coupled with Glenn McGrath's gracious and funny reaction, has provided a memorable highlight that celebrates both past and present champions of Australian cricket.
