Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon etched his name deeper into cricketing history on Thursday by surpassing fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath to become the second-highest wicket-taker in Australia’s Test history. The landmark moment came on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval, a venue where Lyon once again proved his enduring value to the national side.
Lyon achieved the milestone with a double strike in the 10th over of England’s first innings. He first dismissed Ollie Pope for three off 10 balls before removing opener Ben Duckett later in the same over, triggering loud applause from the Adelaide crowd and drawing widespread praise from teammates and fans alike.
With these wickets, Lyon’s career tally rose to 564 wickets from 141 Tests at an average of 30.09. His record includes best match figures of 8/50, 26 four-wicket hauls, 24 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket matches. In the process, he moved past McGrath, who ended his illustrious career with 562 wickets from 124 Tests at an exceptional average of 21.64, including best figures of 8/24.
The top spot on Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list remains firmly held by the late Shane Warne, who claimed 708 wickets in 145 Tests at an average of 25.41. Lyon’s latest achievement also saw him overtake McGrath on the overall international wicket-takers list, making him the sixth-highest wicket-taker across formats.
Speaking after the close of play, Lyon described the moment as deeply emotional and humbling. He reflected on growing up idolising both Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath and said surpassing one of his childhood heroes was something he would cherish for the rest of his life.
“I grew up idolising Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath — these guys were my childhood heroes,” Lyon said at the post-day press conference. “To be able to take over or equal Glenn is pretty humbling, to be honest. It’s something I’ll look back on at the end of my career, or even tonight, and just sit back and have a moment because it’s extremely special.”
Lyon was quick to credit his teammates for the achievement, stressing that individual milestones are rarely possible without collective effort. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the guys at the other end and my teammates,” he said. “It’s an extremely proud moment for me.”
As the Ashes series continues, Lyon’s milestone stands as another reminder of his remarkable longevity, consistency and impact in Test cricket — and of his place among Australia’s greatest bowlers.