Australia spin spearhead Nathan Lyon is on the verge of achieving a record that no other bowler in the past has managed to achieve. The off-spinner has been one of the world’s best bowlers for nearly a decade now.
Earlier this month, Nathan Lyon helped Australia clinch their first ever ICC World Test Championship title. In the final, Australia thrashed India by 209 runs with their spin spearhead picking up 5 wickets. The 35-year old was Australia’s best performer with the ball in the second WTC cycle.
He finished the second edition of the WTC as the highest wicket-taker. In 20 matches, Lyon picked up 88 wickets with the help of 5 five-wicket hauls. No other bowler managed to pick up even 70 wickets during this period. Lyon has started the ongoing Ashes series in a similar manner.
Nathan Lyon on the verge of huge record:
In the first Ashes Test, Nathan Lyon picked up 8 wickets in addition to playing a match-winning cameo with the bat as Australia beat England by 2 wickets to take the lead in the 5-match series. Lyon would be looking to continue his fine form in the upcoming second Test too.
495 wicket
Lyon is also on the verge of creating a massive record. He is set to become the first-ever bowler in history of Test cricket to play 100 consecutive Tests. Overall, he is set to become just the sixth cricketer in history to achieve the rare feat.
Even the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and several other legendary bowlers have not managed to achieve this feat. Lyon has not missed a single Test for Australia since he was recalled ahead of the 2013 Ashes Test at Old Trafford. The record is held by ex-England captain Alastair Cook who played 159 consecutive Tests.
Most consecutive Tests:
159 — Alastair Cook (ENG)
153 — Allan Border (AUS)
107 — Mark Waugh (AUS)
106 — Sunil Gavaskar (IND)
101 — Brendon McCullum (NZ)
99 — Nathan Lyon (AUS)
Among bowlers, Anil Kumble is at the second spot and is well behind Lyon. The former India skipper played 60 consecutive Tests during his illustrious career.
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