Australian spin king Lyon joins elite club with 500th Test wicket

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon secured his 500th Test wicket on Sunday, dismissing Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf and joining an illustrious group of seven players who have achieved this remarkable feat. The 36-year-old veteran, renowned as “Garry,” reached this milestone in his 123rd match during the first Test in Perth.

Lyon, who abstained from international white-ball cricket since 2019, showcased his resilience by hitting the 500-mark on day four, with teammates celebrating his achievement as he dismissed Ashraf lbw on review and bowled Aamer Jamal for his 501st wicket in the same over.

Making his debut in 2011, Lyon expressed his desire to continue playing at the international level until Australia’s 2027 Ashes tour to England. With best figures of 8-50, 23 five-wicket hauls, and 10 instances of claiming 10 wickets in a match, Lyon remains focused on his performance.

While he refrained from specifying the number of wickets he aims to achieve, he emphasized his enthusiasm for playing cricket as long as possible.

Despite entering the exclusive 500-club, Lyon acknowledges the considerable gap between his current tally and spin legends Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708). However, Lyon, a classical spinner with a penchant for flighting the ball, could potentially surpass West Indian great Courtney Walsh’s 519 wickets during the ongoing three-Test series. If not, he eyes further milestones in the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies in January, targeting Glenn McGrath’s 563 wickets.

Teammate Steve Smith lauded Lyon as a crucial asset to the team, commending his versatility, control, and strategic prowess. As Lyon continues to evolve, the cricket world anticipates the unfolding chapters of his illustrious career.