
Pat Cummins believes Nathan Lyon could join the late Shane Warne in passing 700 Test wickets after he became only the third Australian to take 500 scalps.
Lyon joined legendary pair Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563) in the exclusive 500-club when he took his fourth wicket of the victorious first Test against Pakistan.
“(The milestone) is something I’m very proud about,” Lyon said after Australia’s 360-run win in Perth on Sunday. “I don’t think it’s probably hit me yet.
“There’s been a lot of hard work go into the journey. I’ve had a lot more bad days than good days. It was pretty special to be able to take 500 in the first Test back (from a calf injury).”
…
Lyon’s first wicket proved the beginning of the end for Pakistan, who slumped to 7-79 and were all out only three overs later.
After being plucked out of relative obscurity to make his Test debut in Sri Lanka in 2011, Lyon has become Australia’s greatest offspinner across 123 matches.
Now, he sits eighth all-time for most Test wickets taken, with formidable West Indies quick Courtney Walsh (519) next in his sights.
MOST WICKETS IN TEST CRICKET:
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800
2. Shane Warne (Australia) – 708
3. Jimmy Anderson (England) – 690*
4. Anil Kumble (India) – 619
5. Stuart Broad (England) – 604
6. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 563
7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519
8. Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 501*
(* denotes: still playing)
© AAP