In a historic moment during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has eclipsed bowling legend Glenn McGrath to claim sixth position on the all-time Test wicket-taking list. The 38-year-old cricketer needed just two dismissals at the commencement of the match to surpass McGrath’s monumental tally of 563 wickets.
Lyon achieved this extraordinary milestone with remarkable efficiency during his opening over. With his third delivery, he trapped England’s Ollie Pope with a catch at mid-wicket, drawing level with McGrath’s record. Mere moments later, Lyon delivered what commentators described as a ‘gem of a ball’ that clean-bowled Ben Duckett, securing his 564th Test scalp and cementing his place in cricketing history.
This achievement positions Lyon as Australia’s second-most prolific Test bowler behind the late Shane Warne (708 wickets) and establishes him as the highest active wicket-taker in international Test cricket. Among spin bowlers globally, Lyon now ranks fourth, trailing only Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne, and Anil Kumble (619). Notably, only two pace bowlers—England’s James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604)—remain ahead of Lyon in the overall standings.
The moment carried particular significance as Lyon returned to Australia’s lineup after being omitted from the day-night Test in Brisbane, an exclusion he described as making him feel ‘absolutely filthy.’ The Adelaide Oval holds special meaning for Lyon, who previously worked as a groundsman at the venue. He characterized the achievement as a ‘fairytale’ moment, recalling his Test debut at the same ground against England in 2010.
Glenn McGrath himself praised Lyon’s accomplishment during BBC Test Match Special commentary, stating: ‘What a bowler. Nathan Lyon deserves to get that. He has been brilliant for Australia. He will go down as one of the greatest Australia spin bowlers behind Shane Warne.’ McGrath specifically highlighted Lyon’s mastery of off-spin bowling, noting his deep understanding of the craft.
In recognition of his contributions, the South Australia Cricket Association unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring Lyon on their ‘Avenue of Honour’ preceding the match. Lyon has taken 65 wickets at the Adelaide Oval—more than any other bowler in the venue’s history.
The milestone sparked conversation about the value of spin bowling in Test cricket, particularly as England has opted not to field a specialist spinner throughout the current Ashes series. Lyon emphasized the crucial role of spin variation, noting: ‘I think the variation in Test cricket, understanding that Test cricket goes for five days, and there’s a lot of opportunity for pitches to wear and spinners to be able to produce their craft.’ He added that spinning deliveries attract significant viewer engagement, particularly during matches in spin-friendly conditions like those in India.