Nathan Lyon Surpasses Glenn McGrath as Sixth-Top Test Bowler
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has surpassed Glenn McGrath to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history. The milestone came during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, where Lyon needed just two wickets to eclipse McGrath’s tally of 563.
Nathan Lyon’s Historic Achievement
At the start of the match, Lyon made quick work of England’s Ollie Pope, catching him at mid-wicket with his third delivery. Moments later, he claimed his 564th wicket by bowling Ben Duckett, showcasing his skill as an off-spinner.
Statistics of Nathan Lyon’s Career
- Lyon’s total wickets: 564
- Second-highest Australian Test wicket-taker
- Highest active player among Test bowlers
- Fourth-highest spinner, behind Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble
Lyon now ranks behind only Shane Warne, who leads with an impressive 708 wickets. Among pace bowlers, only Sir James Anderson (third with 704) and Stuart Broad (fifth with 604) have more wickets. This positioning underlines Lyon’s status as one of the premier spinners in the sport.
Endorsements and Recognition
Glenn McGrath, a legend of Australian cricket himself, praised Lyon’s capabilities. “What a bowler. Nathan Lyon deserves to get that,” McGrath commented on BBC Test Match Special. He expressed admiration for Lyon’s performance in the game, referring to his wicket of Ben Duckett as a “gem of a ball.”
McGrath highlighted Lyon’s significance for Australian cricket and acknowledged his role as a leading spin bowler. “He has been brilliant for Australia. He will go down as one of the greatest Australian spin bowlers behind Shane Warne,” McGrath noted.
As Lyon continues to excel, his legacy in Australian cricket is cemented alongside some of the sport’s all-time greats.
