Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon Overtakes McGrath to Become Australia’s Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker
Nathan Lyon overtakes Glenn McGrath in Adelaide to become Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker during the Ashes
Nathan Lyon etched his name deeper into Australian cricket history on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, moving past Glenn McGrath to become the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
The off-spinner returned to the playing XI after being left out of the previous Test and made an instant impact. Lyon struck twice in his very first over, removing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett to reach a landmark few would have imagined in an era ruled by fast bowlers.
Those two wickets took Lyon to 564 Test scalps from 141 matches. He went past McGrath’s tally of 562 wickets, with only Shane Warne ahead of him among Australians. Warne finished his career with 708 Test wickets.
The Adelaide crowd rose to acknowledge the moment as Lyon soaked in the applause. It was a special scene for a bowler who has quietly built one of the most consistent careers in Australian cricket.
A Milestone Built on Patience and Trust
Lyon later described the achievement as “humbling” and spoke about the influence of the legends he grew up watching.
“I grew up idolising Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath and these guys were my childhood heroes,” Lyon said. “To be able to take over or equal Glenn, it’s pretty humbling. It’s something I’ll look back on at the end of my career.”
He also made it clear that the milestone was not his alone.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the guys at the other end and my teammates,” Lyon added. “It’s an extremely proud moment.”
Beyond Australia, Lyon now sits sixth on the all-time list of wicket-takers in international cricket. Only Stuart Broad, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and James Anderson are ahead of him.
What makes Lyon’s rise even more remarkable is the timing of this feat. The current era has largely favoured fast bowlers, especially in Australia. Yet Lyon has remained a constant, delivering control, bounce and breakthroughs year after year.
Coming back into the XI and striking immediately underlined his value to the team. It also silenced any doubts about his place as the lead spinner in Australian conditions.
As the Ashes 2025-26 series continues, Lyon’s milestone stands as a reminder of his longevity and skill. From bowling long spells to breaking partnerships, he has earned his place among the greats of the game.
