Thu Dec 18 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Nathan Lyon surpassed Glenn McGrath to become the sixth-highest Test wicket-taker of all time. Lyon achieved this milestone during the Adelaide Test by taking two wickets in his first over, dismissing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. He now trails only Shane Warne among Australian bowlers and has a total of 564 Test wickets. The achievement is especially poignant as it occurred at the Adelaide Oval, where Lyon used to work as a curator and had a significant 12-wicket performance in 2014.

News Article:

Lyon Leaps Past McGrath, Climbs to Sixth All-Time in Test Wickets

Adelaide, Australia – Nathan Lyon etched his name further into cricket history on Sunday, overtaking pace legend Glenn McGrath to claim outright sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. The champion off-spinner reached the milestone in dramatic fashion, striking twice in his first over of the Adelaide Test against England.

Lyon first dismissed Ollie Pope, who was caught by Josh Inglis, before clean bowling Ben Duckett with a beautiful delivery that found the off stump. These two wickets brought Lyon’s total to 564, surpassing McGrath’s impressive 563 scalps.

Only the late Shane Warne (708) now stands ahead of Lyon among Australian bowlers. The global list is led by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralidaran (800), followed by England’s James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604), and India’s Anil Kumble (619).

The achievement holds special significance at the Adelaide Oval. Before becoming a professional cricketer, Lyon worked as a curator. It was also here that he played his first professional game. Earlier in the week, Lyon’s plaque was unveiled at the Oval’s “Avenue of Honour,” commemorating his outstanding 12-wicket haul against India in 2014. He also boasts the most Test wickets at the ground (64), ahead of Shane Warne (56) and Mitch Starc (55).

Lyon has had a turbulent year leading up to this moment. He was controversially left out of the Australian XI in two of the previous three Tests. However, his performance in Adelaide solidifies his place in the team.

Lyon is eyeing the 2027 tour to India and the UK and will aim to climb up the list of the all-time wicket-takers.

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