Lyon's Milestone Over and McGrath's Priceless Reaction
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon cemented his place in Ashes history on Thursday, achieving a monumental personal milestone that was perfectly complemented by a hilarious off-field reaction from a legend. While Lyon's two crucial wickets propelled Australia forward in the third Test, it was former pace great Glenn McGrath's mock-frustrated response to being overtaken that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The iconic moment arrived when Lyon, playing his first Test after being omitted in Brisbane, drew level with McGrath's tally of 563 Test wickets. The landmark scalp was that of England's Ollie Pope, who edged a turning delivery to a diving Josh Inglis. Merely four balls later, Lyon surpassed McGrath entirely, clean bowling Ben Duckett to claim his 564th wicket.
A Viral Gesture of Sporting Respect
As the Adelaide Oval crowd erupted, television cameras cut to McGrath in the commentary box. In a moment of pure, good-natured theatre, the fast-bowling icon pretended to hurl a chair in mock fury before breaking into a wide grin. This gesture, instantly shared across social media platforms, symbolized a warm and respectful passing of the baton between two Australian greats from different eras.
Lyon's devastating first-over spell on Day 2 dramatically swung the match. England, comfortably placed at 37 without loss, suddenly collapsed to 42 for three, handing Australia a significant advantage. The 38-year-old spinner proved his enduring class on a wearing pitch, reminding everyone of his invaluable role in the side.
The Road Ahead and England's Fightback
With this achievement, Nathan Lyon now sits in second place on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list. Only the late, legendary Shane Warne, with 708 wickets, remains ahead of him. Lyon's triumphant return was a key chapter on a day that began with England wrapping up the Australian tail.
Earlier, the visitors bowled out Australia for 371 after the hosts resumed at 326 for eight. England's pace spearhead Jofra Archer was instrumental in the cleanup, completing a five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 53. His prized final wicket was that of Mitchell Starc, who scored a valuable 54 runs.
The third Ashes Test in Adelaide is now intriguingly poised. While Lyon's record-breaking feat and McGrath's viral reaction provide a memorable narrative, the battle for the Urn remains fiercely contested on the field.
