On a sun-lit day at the Adelaide Oval that will be remembered for years, Nathan Lyon did what few bowlers ever dream of — he surpassed Glenn McGrath’s iconic Test wicket tally, weaving his name deep into Australia’s cricketing folklore.
It happened in the third Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series, when Lyon struck twice in his very first over to move past McGrath’s tally of 563 wickets — finishing the burst with his 564th scalp.
A Milestone Against the Old Foe
The Ashes has always been cricket’s fiercest theatre — and on this occasion, Lyon chose that stage to climb above one of Australia’s greatest bowlers. Dismissing Ollie Pope brought him level, and then cleaning up Ben Duckett handed him history.
It wasn’t just a number. It was a statement — an off-spinner standing shoulder to shoulder with legends in a sport often dominated by pace and bat strength.
McGrath’s Reaction Became Part of the Story
Records in cricket aren’t just about statistics — they’re about the moment, the atmosphere, and the reaction. Cameras cut straight to Glenn McGrath in the commentary box, who, in a light-hearted moment, pretended to throw his chair in mock frustration before breaking into a grin, capturing the good-natured spirit of the achievement.
It’s the kind of scene that gives cricket its human heart — respect between eras, competition turning into celebration.
A Bowler of Two Eras
Lyon’s journey to this pinnacle hasn’t been easy. There were seasons of relentless toil, battles with English conditions, and even a brief omission from the team earlier in the series — only to return with fire and purpose in Adelaide.
The result? Lyon now stands second on Australia’s all-time Test wicket list, trailing only the legendary Shane Warne and ahead of the great McGrath himself.
What This Means for Word Cricket
This feat isn’t just personal — it’s symbolic. Lyon’s name now sits with the immortals:
- Muttiah Murlitharan — 800 wickets
- Shane Warne — 708 wickets
- James Anderson — 704 Wickets
- Anil Kumble — 619 wickets
- Stuart Broad — 604 wickets
- Nathan Lyon — 564 wickets
- Glenn McGrath — 563 wickets
In an age where formats collide and spin sometimes takes a backseat to brute pace or power hitting, Lyon has reminded the cricket world how deadly and indispensable a master spinner can be.
Legacy Sealed at Adelaide
For many fans, there’s poetic justice in Lyon achieving this milestone at the Adelaide Oval — the very ground where he once tended the pitches before donning the Baggy Green and redefining himself as a match-winner.
It’s a narrative straight out of a cricketing fairytale — the local lad turned Test giant, spinning his way into history and into the hearts of fans across continents.
