Nathan Lyon becomes 8th bowler to take 500 wickets in test cricket

Nathan Lyon took 5 wickets against Pakistan in the first test in Perth.

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has marked his entry into the record books as he completed 500 test wickets and became only 8th international bowler to touch the milestone. Nathan Lyon was 4 wickets away before the start of the opening test match against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth. Lyon’s magnificent effort has landed him in the elite list of only the second Australian spinner to complete 500 test wickets along with Shane Warne. 

Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf become the 500th test victim of the off-spinner. Nathan Lyon trapped Faheem Ashraf in front in his 7th over of the second innings to complete this milestone. Nathen Lyon became the third Australian bowler to have gone past 500 test wickets for Australia. Leg-spinner Shane Warner (708) and Right-arm pacer Glenn McGrath (653) are the two other Australian bowlers to complete this milestone. 

Nathan Lyon’s supreme consistency in test cricket

Nathan Lyon took 123 test matches to complete this milestone. He made his test debut against Sri Lanka at Galle Cricket Stadium in 2011. In 12 years, Lyon has been an integral part of Australian playing XI and didn’t miss many games for his side. Lyon’s consistent and injury-free career is leading him towards one of the greatest tags in international cricket. Out of 500, 231 wickets came against only two opponents India (121) and England (110). 

Australian off-spinner also made an impactful performance for his side on Australian soil as well. Australian wickets are considered tough for spinners and Lyon has managed to take 243 wickets in 63 test matches he played on hard Australian soil. Muttiah Muralitharan is leading the bowling chart with an almost unachievable number. Murali has 800 test wickets, while Late Shane Warne stands second with 708 wickets in the test format. 

Bowlers with 500 or more wickets in test cricket:

1. Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 800 wickets 

2. Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets 

3. James Anderson (England) – 690 wickets 

4. Anil Kumble (India) – 619 wickets 

5. Stuart Broad (England) – 604 wickets 

6. Glenn Mcgrath (Australia) – 563 wickets

7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519 wickets 

8. NATHAN LYON (Australia) – 501 wickets 

Australia outclassed Pakistan in the first test match played in Perth. Australia defeated Pakistan by a huge margin of 360 runs. Pakistan could only manage to score 89 in their second innings while chasing a target of 450 runs. Nathan Lyon finished with match figures of 5/84, he picked up 3 wickets in the first innings while 2 in the second. Australian opener David Warner also had a memorable game with 164 runs in the first innings.

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