In the hallowed corridors of Australian cricketing history, few milestones carry the weight of becoming the nation’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Yet, that’s exactly what off-spinner Nathan Lyon has just accomplished—surpassing the legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath in total Nathan Lyon Test wickets and moving into an exclusive club behind only Shane Warne.
During the opening day of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba on December 18, 2025, Lyon claimed his 564th Test wicket, overtaking McGrath’s long-standing tally of 563 . His reaction? “Pretty humbling,” Lyon said in a post-day interview, echoing the quiet confidence that has defined his 14-year international career .
Table of Contents
- The Historic Moment: Lyon Surpasses McGrath
- Nathan Lyon Test Wickets: A Career Built on Consistency
- How Lyon Compares to McGrath and Warne
- The Secret Behind Lyon’s Longevity and Success
- What This Milestone Means for Australian Cricket
- Conclusion: The Spin King of Geezers
- Sources
The Historic Moment: Lyon Surpasses McGrath
The wicket that sealed the record came in dramatic fashion—a classic Lyon delivery that spun sharply from middle stump to trap England’s Ollie Pope lbw. The Gabba crowd erupted as Lyon raised his arms in quiet celebration, letting the moment sink in without fanfare. It was a fitting symbol of his career: understated brilliance wrapped in relentless consistency .
Glenn McGrath, Australia’s pace spearhead for over a decade, held the second spot for 18 years. For Lyon—an off-spinner in a land historically dominated by fast bowlers—to overtake him is a testament to both personal excellence and the evolving identity of Australian cricket .
Nathan Lyon Test Wickets: A Career Built on Consistency
Lyon made his Test debut in 2011 as a groundsman with dreams bigger than his job title. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s played 123 Tests—more than any other Australian spinner—and counting . His journey hasn’t been without criticism, especially during lean patches overseas, but his ability to bounce back defines his legacy.
Key highlights of his wicket-taking prowess:
- 564+ Test wickets (as of December 2025)
- Best innings figures: 8/50 vs Sri Lanka (2016)
- 10+ five-wicket hauls in Test cricket
- Only non-pacer in Australia’s all-time top 5 wicket-takers
Lyon’s role in Australia’s home dominance is well-documented, but his contributions in subcontinental conditions—especially in India (2017 and 2023)—showcased his adaptability and grit .
How Lyon Compares to McGrath and Warne
While Shane Warne remains the undisputed king with 708 wickets, Lyon’s ascent past McGrath sparks a fascinating comparison across eras and bowling styles:
| Bowler | Test Wickets | Matches | Avg | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Warne | 708 | 145 | 25.41 | 8/71 |
| Nathan Lyon | 564+ | 123 | 29.80 | 8/50 |
| Glenn McGrath | 563 | 124 | 21.64 | 8/24 |
McGrath’s average is significantly lower, reflecting his fearsome accuracy in favorable conditions. Lyon, by contrast, has shouldered the spin burden in all conditions—often as Australia’s lone spinner—making his output even more impressive in context .
The Secret Behind Lyon’s Longevity and Success
What keeps a 37-year-old spinner at the top of his game? Teammates often point to three pillars:
- Relentless work ethic: Lyon is known for his pre-dawn training sessions and meticulous pitch analysis.
- Emotional resilience: He’s weathered selection rumors, dropped catches, and tough tours with unwavering focus.
- Team-first mentality: “None of this is possible without my teammates,” Lyon emphasized—highlighting the catchers, captains, and analysts who’ve backed him .
His ability to evolve—from relying on drift early in his career to mastering the arm ball and subtle variations later—has kept batsmen guessing for over a decade .
What This Milestone Means for Australian Cricket
Lyon’s achievement isn’t just personal—it reshapes how Australia views spin bowling. For generations, pace ruled Down Under. Lyon’s success has inspired a new wave of spinners and forced a cultural shift in team selection and pitch preparation .
As Australia eyes the 2027 World Test Championship final, Lyon’s experience and wicket-taking ability remain irreplaceable. His record also fuels discussions: Could he challenge Warne’s crown? While unlikely, every wicket brings him closer—and every over redefines what’s possible for an Australian spinner .
Conclusion: The Spin King of Geezers
“Geez, that’s humbling,” Lyon chuckled after the milestone—a phrase that’s become his trademark. But there’s nothing humble about the scale of his achievement. By surpassing Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon hasn’t just rewritten the record books; he’s cemented his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest match-winners and the most successful spinner their red-ball cricket has ever produced. In a nation of pace giants, Lyon’s quiet revolutions have spoken the loudest.
Sources
[INTERNAL_LINK:nathan-lyon-career-stats]
[INTERNAL_LINK:australia-test-wicket-takers-all-time]
For official player records, visit the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Times of India: ‘Pretty humbling’: Lyon reacts after surpassing McGrath in Tests
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: Australia Test Bowling Records