AUS vs ENG: Nathan Lyon creates history, surpasses Glenn McGrath

Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon creates history in his very first over, which he bowled in the 3rd test of the ongoing Ashes 2025/26. He achieved this great milestone on day 2 of the Adelaide test. During the 10th over of England's first innings, he dismissed Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. With this, he surpassed the former Australian pacer, the great Glenn McGrath (563 wickets) in the list of highest wicket-takers in test cricket, and became the second leading wicket-taker for Australia in tests with 564 wickets. Lyon first equalled McGrath's wicket total by removing Ollie Pope, then overtook him with the dismissal of Ben Duckett.

In 141 Tests, Nathan Lyon now has a total of 564 wickets at an average of 30.09, with best figures of 8/50, with 26 four-fers, 24 five-fors and five ten-wicket hauls to his name. He has now become the second-highest wicket-taker in Australia’s history and is just behind the legendary Shane Warne, who took 708 wickets in his remarkable test career. He has also overtaken McGrath to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in international cricket.

When Lyon broke his record, the former Australian pace star, Glenn McGrath, who was doing commentary in the commentary box, reacted hilariously by angrily lifting a chair and pretending to smash or throw it. 

Glenn McGrath's reaction to Nathan Lyon passing him on the all-time Test wickets list was absolutely hilarious 🤣 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/1jTM06M8me

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2025

Lyon made a remarkable comeback after being benched in the second test at the Gabba. Although he featured in the first ODI, he bowled only 2 overs in the first innings. Whereas in the second innings, he did not get to bowl even a single over. 

Australia has already won the first two tests and is currently in a strong position in the third test as well. On the other hand, England is in a do-or-die position. If they lose this match, they will also lose the series. Australia put a challenging cricket score of 371 on the scoreboard in the first innings. In response, Australia has removed England’s 6 wickets so far. 

Most wickets in tests