In a stunning display of skill and resilience, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has etched his name deeper into Australian cricket history, becoming the nation's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches.
From Snub to Record-Breaking Success
The milestone was achieved during the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, a ground where Lyon once worked as a groundsman. Just a fortnight after being left "filthy" at being dropped for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, Lyon responded in the best way possible. In his very first over on Thursday, he claimed two wickets in the space of four balls, moving his career tally to 564 Test scalps.
This moved him one wicket ahead of legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who finished his career with 563. The only Australian bowler now ahead of Lyon is the late, great leg-spinner Shane Warne, with his monumental 708 Test wickets.
Adelaide Delight After Brisbane Disappointment
The 38-year-old's path to this record was not straightforward. He was controversially overlooked for the second Test at the Gabba, a decision the team hierarchy attributed to the day-night conditions favouring seam bowlers. His replacement, Michael Neser, justified the call with a five-wicket haul in Australia's victory.
Lyon had also bowled only two overs in the series-opener in Perth, a match that ended inside two days. The wait for the record finally ended in Adelaide when captain Pat Cummins threw him the ball for the 10th over of England's innings.
His first victim was Ollie Pope, caught at midwicket by a diving Josh Inglis. Pope's struggles in Australia continued, with his average here a paltry 15.90. Just three balls later, Lyon clean bowled opener Ben Duckett, who was deceived in flight by a delivery that spun sharply into his off-stump.
McGrath's Priceless Commentary Box Reaction
The moment Lyon surpassed his record produced one of the highlights of the summer from the Channel 7 commentary box. Glenn McGrath, watching on, reacted with hilarious faux outrage. The vision showed him twisting his face in mock pain before picking up a chair as if to throw it out the window.
"Here I am carrying on, picking up the chair and what have you, hahaha," McGrath laughed as he watched the replay. Fellow commentator Ricky Ponting joked, "What have you turned into in that box up there? That's not Glenn McGrath."
McGrath then revealed the reaction was a pre-planned bit of fun with fellow commentator Damien Fleming, a secret he was quickly told not to reveal by host Emma Freedman. Despite the theatrics, McGrath was full of praise for Lyon.
"He's just quality, isn't he?" McGrath said. "To see him out there, Australia's best ever off-spin bowler to move into second position... He's been waiting for it for a long time now. Great to see him get it. He deserves it."
Australia's Top Test Wicket-Takers:
- Shane Warne: 708 wickets at an average of 25.41
- Nathan Lyon: 564 wickets at 30.06
- Glenn McGrath: 563 wickets at 21.64
- Mitchell Starc: 420 wickets at 26.51
- Dennis Lillee: 355 wickets at 23.92
