Lyon Hits 564th Test Wicket, Passes McGrath in Ashes

Nathan Lyon etched his name deeper into Australian cricket history on Thursday by claiming his 564th Test wicket during the second day of the third Ashes match at Adelaide Oval, surpassing Glenn McGrath to become Australia's second-leading wicket-taker.

The 38-year-old offspinner, returning to the side after being omitted from the previous Test, struck twice in his opening over of England's innings. Lyon first dismissed Ollie Pope for 3, caught at midwicket by Josh Inglis off a halfhearted drive. Three balls later, he bowled Ben Duckett for 29, the left-handed opener beaten in flight as the ball spun into his off stump. The twin strikes elevated Lyon above McGrath's tally of 563 and positioned him behind only Shane Warne's 708 wickets among Australian bowlers. Globally, Lyon now ranks sixth on the all-time list, with England's Stuart Broad (604) next in his sights.

Lyon's performance came after a turbulent start to the series. He bowled just two overs in Australia's eight-wicket victory in the opener at Perth before selectors rested him for the pink-ball day-night Test at Brisbane's Gabba, opting instead for paceman Michael Neser. Neser responded with five wickets in the second...