In a historic moment on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, veteran Australian off‑spinner Nathan Lyon etched his name into cricket folklore by surpassing legendary paceman Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second‑highest Test wicket‑taker of all time. Lyon clinched his 564th Test wicket, eclipsing McGrath’s long‑standing tally of 563 dismissals, and now trails only spin icon Shane Warne on the national all‑time list.
Milestone Moment in Ashes Action
Lyon’s landmark achievement came early on the second day of the tightly contested Ashes encounter against England. Introduced into the attack during the 10th over of England’s reply, he quickly struck twice — first dismissing Ollie Pope to draw level with McGrath and then bowling Ben Duckett with a classic off‑spin delivery to claim wicket number 564. The milestone triggered jubilant celebrations from teammates and widespread applause from the Adelaide crowd.
The moment also sparked a memorable reaction in the commentary box from McGrath himself, who playfully lifted a chair in mock frustration — a light‑hearted vignette that went viral on social media and underscored the respect between Australia’s cricketing greats.
Australia’s Test Wicket Leaders
| Rank | Bowler | Test Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane Warne | 708 |
| 2 | Nathan Lyon | 564 |
| 3 | Glenn McGrath | 563 |
| 4 | Mitchell Starc | 420 |
| 5 | Dennis Lillee | 355 |
| (Data compiled from official records as of December 18, 2025) |
This new status not only cements Lyon’s place among Australia’s elite bowlers, but also places him sixth on the all‑time Test wicket‑takers list worldwide, contrasting him with international greats such as Muttiah Muralitharan and James Anderson.
A Career Defined by Consistency and Craft
At 38, Lyon’s journey to this landmark has been marked by remarkable durability and adaptability across a career spanning more than a decade. Since making his Test debut in 2011, Lyon has been a mainstay of the Australian bowling attack — renowned for his precise off‑spin, ability to exploit conditions, and resilience in both home and overseas conditions.
Statistical breakdowns show Lyon’s effectiveness across cricketing nations, with significant hauls in Australia, England, and India — highlighting his all‑conditions capability. His tally of 65 wickets at Adelaide Oval now stands as the most by any bowler at the iconic venue.
On the Field and Beyond
Lyon’s performance has been pivotal not just for personal milestones but also for Australia’s stronghold in the Ashes series. His early strikes on Day 2 helped dismantle England’s top order, contributing to a commanding position for Australia, while teammate Pat Cummins also excelled with key wickets in high temperatures that tested both sides.
Upon reaching the record, Lyon described the achievement as “humbling,” acknowledging McGrath’s influence on his career and the broader legacy of Australian bowling greats. His teammates and cricket commentators similarly praised the milestone, framing it as a testament to his unwavering commitment and technical mastery.
