Nathan Lyon added another glittering chapter to his remarkable Test career on Thursday, overtaking Glenn McGrath on the all-time wickets list as Australia seized control of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.
The off-spinner moved into sixth place on the Test wicket-takers’ list when he bowled Ben Duckett to claim his 564th dismissal, edging past McGrath’s tally of 563. The moment sparked celebrations among Australian players and fans alike, with McGrath himself watching the milestone unfold from the commentary box.
Lyon’s historic strike came during a decisive opening spell that transformed the complexion of England’s reply. Brought on in the 10th over with England well placed at 37 without loss, Lyon struck twice in quick succession. Ollie Pope was first to fall, pushing at a sharply turning delivery and offering a catch to Josh Inglis at midwicket. Four balls later, Duckett misjudged the drift and was bowled, sending England into sudden retreat.
The collapse gathered pace as Australia applied relentless pressure. England slipped to 42 for 3 and reached lunch at 59 for 3, with their Ashes campaign teetering in a match they must win to stay alive. Earlier, captain Pat Cummins had broken the opening stand by removing Zak Crawley, laying the platform for Lyon’s intervention.
Australia’s commanding position was built on a first-innings total of 371, achieved after resuming the day at 326 for 8. Mitchell Starc provided late impetus with a brisk 54, before England pacer Jofra Archer wrapped up the innings to complete a five-wicket haul.
By tea on Day 2, England were 132 for 5, with Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith attempting to rebuild against an attack that refused to ease its grip.
Lyon now trails only Shane Warne (708 wickets) among Australians, while globally Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne and James Anderson (704) stand ahead of him. With Anil Kumble (619) and Stuart Broad (604) also within range, further milestones appear firmly in sight.
Nicknamed “Garry,” Lyon has been a mainstay of Australia’s Test side since his debut in 2011 and owns career-best figures of 8 for 50. Having stepped away from white-ball internationals in 2019, the 38-year-old has spoken of feeling revitalised — a claim emphatically backed by his match-turning performance in Adelaide.
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