Nathan Lyon moves to second on Australia's Test wicket list
Off-spinner passes Glenn McGrath after early impact in Adelaide Ashes Test, with only Shane Warne ahead for Australian bowlers.
Nathan Lyon now stands as the second-most prolific wicket-taker in Australian Test history after passing Glenn McGrath with an early double blow on day two of the third Ashes Test.
After being left out of the XI for the second Test in Brisbane, Lyon had a point to prove in Adelaide, making an instant impact by removing Ollie Pope (3) to go level with McGrath on 563 wickets.
Just moments later, Lyon from around the wicket beat Ben Duckett lunging forward, with the finger spinner hitting the top of off-stump.
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Lyon's 564 wickets also puts him in outright sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-taker's list, with Shane Warne (708) the only Australian above the off-spinner.
Most Test wickets for Australia
| Player | Wickets |
| Shane Warne | 708 |
| Nathan Lyon | 564 |
| Glenn McGrath | 563 |
| Mitchell Starc | 420 |
| Dennis Lillee | 355 |
The efforts of Lyon spoiled what looked to be a steady reply from England, who bowled Australia out for 371 on a flat surface before moving to 41/1 after the early loss of Zak Crawley (9).
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Lyon made his Test debut in 2011 in Galle, taking the wicket of Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara with his first ball.
The 38-year-old who once called the Adelaide Oval home as a curator now has the most Test wickets at the venue (65).
Day 2 ended with England trailing by 158 runs, as an unbeaten 45-run stand between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer helped the visitors cut into Australia’s lead.
Ashes schedule
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
