Adelaide, Dec 18 (NationPress) Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon from Australia reached a remarkable achievement on Thursday by surpassing renowned fast-bowling icon Glenn McGrath to become the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

During the initial session of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval, Lyon ascended to the second spot on the list of all-time Australian Test wicket-takers, trailing only behind Shane Warne.

After being omitted from the playing XI for the second Test in Brisbane, Lyon was eager to demonstrate his abilities in Adelaide, making a swift impact by dismissing Ollie Pope (3) to tie with McGrath at 563 wickets.

Shortly after, Lyon executed a flawless off-spinner from around the wicket, outsmarting Ben Duckett, who lunged forward, with the delivery striking the top of the off-stump.

This marked Lyon’s 564th Test wicket, allowing him to eclipse McGrath’s tally of 563. Only Warne (708) has more wickets than Lyon among Australian players, who now holds the sixth position on the all-time Test wicket-taker list.

With 564 wickets, Lyon is now in outright sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-taker’s list, with only Warne (708) ranked higher among Australians.

Only Muthiah Muralidaran from Sri Lanka (800), James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604) from England, along with Anil Kumble from India (619), have achieved more wickets than the 38-year-old Lyon.

Lyon achieved this milestone at Adelaide Oval, the venue where he once worked as a curator before pursuing a full-time cricket career.

“Reflecting on those years when he was on the roller here at Adelaide Oval – and now he’s surpassed the legendary Glenn McGrath for Test wickets for Australia. What a remarkable feat,” remarked former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee on Kayo Sports.

Lyon’s achievements disrupted what appeared to be a steady recovery from England, who had bowled Australia out for 371, leaving the visitors struggling at 124/4.