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Nathan Lyon's Historic Ashes Feat: How He Surpassed McGrath's Legendary Record

Nathan Lyon has etched his name deeper into cricket history. By taking two key wickets in Adelaide, he moved past the legendary Glenn McGrath's tally of 563 Test wickets. This makes him Australia's second-most prolific bowler ever, behind only the late, great Shane Warne. Achieving this on his old home ground, where he once prepared pitches, adds a beautiful layer to the story.

Key Points: Nathan Lyon Overtakes Glenn McGrath as Australia's Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker

  • Lyon claimed his 564th Test wicket by clean-bowling England's Ben Duckett at Adelaide Oval
  • The off-spinner now sits sixth on the all-time list, trailing legends like Muralidaran and Warne
  • He achieved this milestone at the same ground where he once worked as a curator
  • Lyon's breakthrough spoiled England's steady reply after Australia posted 371 runs
2 min read

Ashes: Lyon overtakes McGrath to become Australia second-highest Test wicket-taker

Nathan Lyon surpasses Glenn McGrath's 563 Test wickets during the Ashes, becoming Australia's second-highest wicket-taker behind only Shane Warne.

"You think all those years ago when he was sitting on the roller here at Adelaide Oval – and now he’s gone past the great Glenn McGrath for Test wickets for Australia. What an achievement. - Brett Lee"

Adelaide, Dec 18

Australia veteran spinner Nathan Lyon achieved a significant milestone on Thursday as he moved past former fast-bowling great Glenn McGrath to become Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Lyon jumped into second place – behind Shane Warne on the list of all-time Australian Test wicket-takers during the first session of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.

After being left out of the XI for the second Test in Brisbane, Lyon had a point to prove in Adelaide, making an instant impact by removing Ollie Pope (3) to go level with McGrath on 563 wickets.

Just moments later, Lyon produced a perfect off-spinner from around the wicket to beat Ben Duckett lunging forward, with the finger spinner hitting the top of off-stump.

It was Lyon’s 564th Test wicket, passing McGrath on 563. Only Warne (708) has claimed more scalps as an Australian than Lyon, who’s now moved into outright sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-taker’s list.

Lyon's 564 wickets also put him in outright sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-taker's list, with Warne (708) the only Australian above the off-spinner.

Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran (800), England's James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604) and India's Anil Kumble (619) are the only other bowlers in the format's history with more wickets than the 38-year-old Lyon.

Lyon achieved the feat at Adelaide Oval – the ground where he was a curator before becoming a full-time cricketer.

“You think all those years ago when he was sitting on the roller here at Adelaide Oval – and now he’s gone past the great Glenn McGrath for Test wickets for Australia. What an achievement,” former Australia quick Brett Lee said on Kayo Sports.

The efforts of Lyon spoilt what looked to be a steady reply from England, who bowled Australia out for 371, as the visitors are reeling at 124/4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Amazing to see a spinner reach such heights in a country known for its fast bowlers. Lyon's consistency is remarkable. Makes me wonder where our own Ashwin and Jadeja will end up on the all-time list! 🤔
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Aman W
Respect for the GOAT! But honestly, the article feels a bit one-sided celebrating Lyon (which is fine), but it glosses over how England collapsed again. Their batting lineup seems completely lost against quality spin, even outside Asia.
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK, it's painful but you have to applaud Lyon. He's been a thorn in England's side for over a decade. That ball to Duckett sounded unplayable. Australia's strength in all departments is just scary.
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Vikram M
Incredible milestone! To be second only to Shane Warne in Australia is no small feat. The list he's now in with Murali, Kumble, Anderson, Broad... that's the absolute elite club of Test cricket. Hats off to the off-spinner!
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Karthik V
As an Indian cricket fan, this puts things in perspective. Anil Kumble has 619. Lyon is at 564 and still going strong. The race for the top spinner's spot in the modern era is really heating up. Test cricket is blessed to have such warriors.

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