Nathan Lyon marked his return to the Test side in emphatic fashion, claiming two wickets in his first over of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval to surpass Glenn McGrath and become Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.
The offspinner, who was left out for Brisbane’s clash, needed just six balls to make his mark. Ollie Pope offered a simple catch to midwicket, bringing Lyon level with McGrath on 563 wickets. Moments later, he delivered a classic offspinner’s dismissal, drifting a delivery into Ben Duckett, who played forward in defence, only for the ball to spin past the edge and crash into off-stump. Lyon now sits on 564 Test wickets, trailing only Shane Warne’s 708.
Lyon’s instant impact at Adelaide Oval also underscores his enduring mastery of the venue, where he now holds the record for most Test wickets, 65 at the ground. His legacy in Adelaide is further cemented with a place on the Oval’s Avenue of Honour, commemorating his 12-wicket haul against India in 2014.
Since debuting in 2011 in Galle, where he dismissed Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara with his first ball, Lyon has evolved into a cornerstone of Australia’s spin attack. At 38, he has expressed his intent to play through the 2027 Ashes, and with a bumper period of Test cricket ahead, his next milestone of 600 wickets is well within reach.
Most Test Wickets for Australia:
- Shane Warne – 708
- Nathan Lyon – 564
- Glenn McGrath – 563
- Mitchell Starc – 420
- Dennis Lillee – 355
Lyon’s Adelaide double not only cements his place in Australian cricket history but also sends a clear message: he remains a lethal force for as long as he continues to play.
