Benched for the 2nd Test, Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon returned with a vengeance as he struck twice in his first over to leave England wobbling on the second day of the Adelaide Test on Thursday. With those twin blows, Lyon surpassed the legendary Glenn McGrath in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket, taking his own tally to 564 scalps.
Fondly referred to as ‘Garry’, the 38-year-old first drew level with the iconic fast bowler when he had Ollie Pope flick one to mid-wicket where Josh Inglis took a good catch to send the England batter back to the dressing room on just 3.
Lyon then moved past McGrath off the final delivery of the over when he cleaned up Ben Duckett on 29, sparking animated celebrations.The veteran of 141 Tests
has now become the second-highest wicket-taker in Australia’s history and is now just behind the legendary Shane Warne who took 708 scalps during his storied career.
Most Test Wickets For Australia (Top Five)
- Shane Warne (708)
- Nathan Lyon (564*)
- Glenn McGrath (563)
- Mitchell Starc (420*)
- Dennis Lillee (355)
*Updated till first session of Adelaide Test
Overall, Lyon is now the sixth-highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Most Test Wickets In History (Top Five)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (800)
- Shane Warne (708)
- James Anderson (704)
- Anil Kumble (619)
- Stuart Broad (604)
Lyon ‘Absolutely Filthy’
Australia’s greatest Test off-spinner made his feelings known after being left on the bench at The Gabba. He found out half an hour before the start of the second Test that he was not part of the playing XI.
“Absolutely filthy. But yeah, can’t do anything about it. So, yeah, hope I can play my role in making sure I get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure that we get the right result here,” Lyon said on Channel 7 on his reaction when he was informed about the call by Australia chairman of selectors George Bailey.
Australia went on to win the contest by eight wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
