Nathan Lyon climbed another step in Test cricket history on Wednesday. The Australia off spinner moved past Glenn McGrath to reach sixth on the all time list of Test wicket takers.
Lyon needed two wickets at the start of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. He got them within his first over. With his third ball, Ollie Pope was caught at mid wicket. Three balls later, Ben Duckett was bowled. That took Lyon to 564 Test wickets.
The 38 year old now sits second among Australian bowlers. Only Shane Warne stands ahead of him with 708 wickets.
Lyon is also the highest ranked active player on the list. Among spinners, only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble have more Test wickets.
Only two fast bowlers remain above Lyon. They are England greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
McGrath praised Lyon after the milestone. He said Lyon deserved the record and called him a brilliant bowler. He highlighted the ball that dismissed Duckett as a special delivery.
McGrath added that Lyon has been key for Australia for many years. He said Lyon will be remembered as one of the country’s greatest spin bowlers. He also called him Australia’s best ever off spinner and praised his deep understanding of the craft.
