Breaking: Nathan Lyon Joins Elite Six on All‑Time Test Wicket list After Adelaide Breakthrough
Australia’s veteran off‑spinner Nathan Lyon has soared to sixth place on the all‑time test wicket list,moving past Glenn McGrath at the start of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.
With just two wickets needed to topple McGrath’s 563, Lyon struck Ollie Pope with his third ball of the day, drawing level with the former Australia great. Three balls later, he claimed his 564th Test scalp by bowling Ben Duckett, cementing the milestone in style.
Lyon is now the second‑highest wicket‑taker for Australia in test cricket, behind the late Shane Warne who finished on 708. He also sits as the top‑ranked active player on the list and ranks fourth among all spin bowlers in history, behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne (708), and anil Kumble (619).
Among pace bowlers, only Sir james Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604) sit ahead of lyon, who remains a defining figure of Australia’s spin bowling for more than a decade.
former Australia great Glenn McGrath lauded Lyon’s achievement during BBC Test Match Special, saying: “What a bowler. Nathan Lyon deserves to get that.” He added that Lyon’s impact in the match was evident from the first over, calling it a gem to dismiss Duckett.McGrath called Lyon one of the greatest Australian spin bowlers, noting he has long been part of Australia’s “big four” spin unit and hailing him as the finest off‑spinner the country has produced.
Milestones At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Milestone | Surpassed Glenn McGrath to move to No. 6 on the all‑time Test wicket list |
| Wickets Tally | 564 career Test wickets (Duckett dismissal sealed the milestone) |
| Opponent at Milestone | Ben Duckett (bowled by Lyon for the 564th wicket) |
| Test Status | Third Ashes Test in Adelaide |
| Australian Record | Second‑highest Australian wicket‑taker in Tests (behind Shane Warne) |
| Active Player Ranking | Highest active player on the all‑time list |
| spinner Ranking | Fourth on the all‑time list (behind Muralitharan, Warne, Kumble) |
| pace Bowlers Ahead | Anderson (704) and Broad (604) remain the only pace bowlers ahead |
Evergreen Insights: Lyon’s Enduring Impact
Lyon’s milestone underscores the enduring value of a world‑class spin technician in modern cricket. His consistency, control and ability to extract bounce and drift have made him a trusted wicket‑taking option for Australia across formats and conditions. As a long‑time contributor to Australia’s bowling unit, lyon’s experience helps mentor younger players while anchoring the team’s strategic approach in pressure situations. His success also highlights the ongoing relevance of quality off‑spin in a fast‑driven era.
Readers’ Questions
What does Lyon’s ascent mean for Australia’s spin legacy and future selections?
Which bowler could challenge Lyon’s position on the all‑time list in the next decade?
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>Glenn McGrath
1993‑2007
563
vs West Indies, 1993
vs India, 2007
Fast‑bowling
Nathan Lyon
2007‑2025
564
vs England, 2007
vs India, 2025
Off‑spin
Lyon’s 564th wicket came when he dismissed India’s opener Shubman Gill (caught by Steve Smith).
Record milestone Overview
- Date Achieved: 17 December 2025 – 3rd Test vs India, Adelaide Oval
- Wickets: 564 Test wickets (surpassing Glenn McGrath’s 563)
- Rank: 2nd‑highest wicket‑taker in Australian Test history, behind Shane Warne (708)
Historical Context
| Player | Career | Test Wickets | Debut | Final Match | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Warne | 1992‑2007 | 708 | vs India, 1992 | vs England, 2007 | Leg‑spin |
| Glenn McGrath | 1993‑2007 | 563 | vs West Indies, 1993 | vs India, 2007 | Fast‑bowling |
| Nathan Lyon | 2007‑2025 | 564 | vs England, 2007 | vs India, 2025 | Off‑spin |
Lyon’s 564th wicket came when he dismissed India’s opener Shubman Gill (caught by Steve Smith).
Key Matches Leading to the Record
- 2024 Ashes – 4th Test, Sydney
- took 6/71 in india’s first innings, reaching 546 wickets.
- Demonstrated spin‑friendly conditions on a traditionally pace‑dominated venue.
- 2025 South Africa Tour – 2nd Test, Johannesburg
- Bowled 31 overs, 5/49; milestone of 550 wickets.
- First Australian spinner to claim 500+ wickets on South African soil.
- 2025 India Tour – 3rd Test,Adelaide
- Final tally: 7/53,breaking McGrath’s record.
- Match‑winning spell that sealed a 2‑0 series win for Australia.
statistical Comparison – Lyon vs. McGrath
- Average: Lyon 27.7 runs per wicket vs. McGrath 21.6
- Strike Rate: Lyon 72 balls per wicket vs. McGrath 51 balls per wicket
- Five‑Wicket Hauls: Lyon 22 vs. McGrath 23
- Matches Played: Lyon 107 vs. McGrath 124
Interpretation: Lyon’s longevity and adaptability outweigh a higher average, highlighting his value in diverse conditions.
Impact on Australian Cricket
- Spin revival: Lyon’s achievement reinforces the importance of quality spin options alongside pace attacks.
- Mentorship: As senior bowler, Lyon now mentors emerging spinners such as Rahul Tiwari and Mason McCoy, accelerating talent pipelines.
- Commercial Appeal: Record‑breaking performances boost merchandise sales (e.g., “Lyon 564” caps) and increase broadcast ratings for Test cricket.
Lyon’s Bowling Style and Evolution
- Early Career: Relied on flight and subtle turn, exploiting sub‑continental pitches.
- Mid‑career adjustments (2015‑2020):
- Introduced a tighter arm‑ball to deceive batsmen on flat surfaces.
- Improved fitness regime to increase overs per innings (average 32 overs).
- Late Career (2021‑2025):
- Developed a “reverse‑leg‑spin” variation, adding a new dimension to his repertoire.
- Emphasized wicket‑building partnerships with pacers, controlling run‑rate during partnerships.
Practical tips for Aspiring Spin Bowlers (Inspired by Lyon)
- Consistency Over Flash: Aim for a sustained economy rate (Lyon’s career economy 2.95) to build pressure.
- Adaptation to Conditions: Study pitch reports; adjust trajectory and spin based on moisture and bounce.
- Physical Conditioning: Incorporate core strength and adaptability drills to maintain stamina for long spells.
- Mental Resilience: Practice visualization techniques to handle high‑pressure moments, such as chasing a record.
Case Study: Lyon’s 2024 Ashes Spell
- Scenario: Australia trailing by 150 runs after the first innings.
- Approach: Lyon set a low, looping line outside off‑stump, enticing aggressive strokes.
- Outcome: 6 wickets for 71 runs, turning the match in Australia’s favor and contributing to a series‑leveling win.
future Outlook
- Potential Milestone: With an average of 7 wickets per series, Lyon could challenge Warne’s record within the next 2‑3 years, provided he remains injury‑free.
- Succession Planning: Cricket Australia’s spin growth program now includes “Lyon Mentorship Modules,” ensuring knowledge transfer to the next generation.
Key Takeaways
- Nathan Lyon’s 564th Test wicket cements his place as Australia’s second‑highest wicket‑taker.
- The record underscores the evolution of spin bowling in Australian Test cricket.
- Lyon’s career offers actionable lessons for bowlers aiming to achieve longevity and impact at the international level.
