Image Credit- Getty
During Australia’s inaugural Test match against
Pakistan in Perth, Nathan Lyon became the eighth bowler and third Australian to
surpass 500 Test wickets. His captain, Pat Cummins, called him the most crucial
component of the attack.
Following his Ashes-ending calf injury earlier this
year, Lyon had been stuck on 496 wickets, but he maintained his excellent
record at the Optus Stadium. After taking wickets of Abdullah Shafique,
Imam-ul-Haq, and Aamer Jamal in Pakistan’s opening innings, he reached 499
wickets.
For a little while it appeared he may run out of
wickets as Australia’s quicks ran through Pakistan’s second innings, but in his
seventh over he won an lbw decision against Ashraf via the DRS.
“It’s something I’m very proud about,” Lyon
said after the match. “I don’t think it’s probably hit me yet. But there’s
obviously been a lot of hard work go into the journey and I’ve had a lot more
bad days and good days but to be out there in the middle of back after doing a
calf with a special group of people, it’s pretty special to be able to take 500
in my first Test back.
“I was quietly confident that it would hit leg.
Reviews you’re always nervous no matter what. So all in all pretty happy.”
As the fourth spinner on the list, which also includes
Anil Kumble and Muthiah Muralidaran, Lyon became an Australian player in the
500 club, joining Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563).
“I still pinch myself when I see my name next to
those guys,” Lyon told Channel Seven. “I’m not even next below those
guys in my eyes. Shane Warne is the greatest to ever play this game in my
opinion and Glenn McGrath’s record speaks volumes. To edge closer to those
guys, it’s something I’m proud of.”