Nathan Lyon has made cricket history by surpassing Glenn McGrath to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in Test matches. At 38 years old, Lyon achieved this milestone during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, needing just two wickets to break McGrath’s record of 563.
Lyon struck early, taking the catch of England’s Ollie Pope with his third ball. Just a few deliveries later, he bowled out Ben Duckett, marking his 564th wicket. This put him second among Australian bowlers, following the legendary Shane Warne, who has 708 wickets.
In the ranking of active players, Lyon stands tall. Among spinners, he is ranked fourth behind Muttiah Muralitharan, Warne, and Anil Kumble. Notably, only two pace bowlers—James Anderson and Stuart Broad—are ahead of him in the overall list.
Former cricketer McGrath praised Lyon, saying, “What a bowler. He deserves this. His impact is clear from the start.” He pointed out Lyon’s skill, particularly highlighting his exceptional delivery to get Duckett out. McGrath added that Lyon has established himself as one of Australia’s greatest spin bowlers, alongside Warne.
Lyon’s career has not only been about individual records but also about the evolution of spin bowling in Australia. Historically, spin was seen as secondary to pace, but Lyon has changed that perception. He is recognized for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, earning a reputation as a key player in Australia’s bowling lineup.
Recent statistics show that spinners are increasingly influential in modern cricket. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, spinners took over 45% of the wickets in Test matches last year. This is a significant shift compared to the days when pace bowlers dominated, highlighting the growing importance of spin in today’s game.
It’s clear that Nathan Lyon’s achievements mark more than just personal milestones; they reflect changes in the sport itself and the rising status of spin bowlers globally.
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