Glenn McGrath reacts live as Nathan Lyon overtakes his Test wickets' tally

Published - 18 Dec 2025, 10:11 IST | Updated - 18 Dec 2025, 11:01 IST

It took Nathan Lyon 141 Test games to reach 564 wickets in Test match cricket, and this is no ordinary number, as he has now overtaken the legendary ex-countryman Glenn McGrath in terms of wickets' tally. Lyon achieved the milestone during the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, while McGrath was right there commentating, and the reaction the former cricketer gave is one for the ages.

Lyon started his spell in the tenth over of the English innings, and took just three balls to get his first breakthrough in the form of Ollie Pope's wicket. This brought Lyon to the level of McGrath's 563 Test scalps, but just a couple of balls later, the off-spinner dismantled Ben Duckett's defence to go past the legendary pacer's tally. McGrath, who was right there, gave a hilarious reaction, faking his angst as Lyon went past his numbers.

Now Lyon is also the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in Tests, but still far behind the late Shane Warne's 708. The veteran spinner, who was a pitch curator before making his international debut, stands right at the sixth position in terms of most wickets in Tests overall, closely following Stuart Broad (604) and Anil Kumble (619).

Lyon, who is a 38-year-old, made his debut in 2011 against Sri Lanka as the Australians were on the lookout for a spin-heavy attack on the rank-turners of the Indian subcontinent. The off-spinner became only the second spinner to have taken a wicket on the first ball of his Test career, as he trapped Kumar Sangakkara, getting him caught at the slips.

Since then, the Young-born never really looked back and has been a regular feature in the Australian line-up, playing under five different captains, Pat Cummins being the latest. With his career leaning towards the twilight, it will be interesting to see if the off-break bowler goes on to add a few more feathers to his illustrious cap.