Nathan Lyon takes 500th Test wicket in Australia win over Pakistan

Nathan Lyon takes 500th Test wicket in Australia win over Pakistan as he becomes the eighth man and third Australian to do so: ‘I still pinch myself’

  • The achievement was delayed when he was ruled out of majority of the Ashes
  • He trapped Faheem Ashraf leg before wicket following a review on day four
  • Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are the two Australian players ahead of him 

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has become the eighth man to take 500 Test wickets after reaching the major milestone against Pakistan.

The 36-year-old trapped Faheem Ashraf leg before wicket after a review in Perth to reach his personal landmark on day four of the first Test as the hosts cruised to a 360-run victory.

Lyon, whose achievement was delayed by injury during last summer’s Ashes series, is the third Australian to reach the mark, following in the footsteps of the late Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Only Muttiah Muralitharan, who leads the way with a remarkable 800, Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, Stuart Broad, McGrath and Courtney Walsh have claimed more Test scalps.

Lyon told Channel 7: ‘It’s something I’m very proud about. Firstly, to take 500, it’s a bloody big milestone. I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys – well not even next, below those guys in my eyes.

Nathan Lyon took his 500th wicket for Australia on day four of his side’s win over Pakistan

Lyon trapped Faheem Ashraf leg before wicket after a review from home captain Pat Cummins

The off-spinner is the third Australian to pass the landmark after Shane Warne (left) and Glenn McGrath (right)

‘Shane Warne is the greatest to ever play this game in my opinion, and Glenn McGrath’s record speaks volumes, doesn’t it? So to edge closer to those guys, it’s something that I’m proud of.’

Lyon’s big moment arrived at the start of the 28th over of Pakistan’s second innings when he rapped Faheem’s pads, but saw concerted appeals turned down by umpire Richard Illingworth.

However, the Australians opted to review and were belatedly given the verdict they craved by TV umpire Michael Gough with the ball shown to be hitting leg stump.

Australia dominated the match, cruising to a 360-run victory in the first Test in Perth

Faheem’s departure left Pakistan on 79 for seven and Lyon also accounted for Aamer Jamal as they slumped to 89 all out.

The right-armer, who made an instant impact on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2011 when he dismissed Kumar Sangakkara with his first ball, finished with match figures of five for 80.

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