Bowler Nathan Lyon breaks Glenn McGrath’s record in Adelaide, once worked as groundsman at same venue

Adelaide (The Uttam Hindu): Whenever Australia’s greatest bowlers are discussed, legends like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are usually mentioned first. However, a historic moment at the Adelaide Oval has now rewritten the record books. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has become Australia’s second most successful Test bowler.

This achievement is especially memorable as Lyon reached the milestone at the very same Adelaide Oval where he once worked as a curator and groundsman, helping prepare the pitch. The 38-year-old achieved this feat on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England, a moment eagerly awaited by cricket fans worldwide.

Questions were raised after Lyon was left out of the Brisbane Test, but he made an immediate impact in Adelaide. He first dismissed Ollie Pope for three runs to equal Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 Test wickets. Moments later, Lyon bowled Ben Duckett with a brilliant delivery to claim his 564th Test wicket, moving past McGrath. Only Shane Warne, with 708 wickets, now stands ahead of him in Australian Test history.

With this achievement, Lyon has climbed to sixth place on the list of all-time leading Test wicket-takers. Above him are Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), James Anderson (704), Anil Kumble (619), and Stuart Broad (604). Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee praised Lyon’s journey, saying it is remarkable to think that he once sat on the grass roller at this ground and has now surpassed a legend like McGrath.

Thanks to Lyon’s incisive bowling, Australia have taken control of the match. After posting 371 runs, the hosts reduced England to 124 for four wickets, putting the visitors under pressure.