‘I thought it may be hitting leg stump, lucky enough it was three reds’ - Nathan Lyon reflects on completing 500 Test wickets

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon wrote history as he joined the elite 500-wicket club. Registering his name alongside the likes of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, Lyon achieved the feat while playing against Pakistan in the first Test of the ongoing series.

He became the eighth bowler and the third Australian to make his name on the list. He was stalled on 496 wickets because he got injured during the Ashes in 2023. Making his sensational return against Pakistan, Lyon took three wickets in the first session and another in the second to reach the landmark. Speaking of his brilliant achievement, Lyon opined that he was very proud of reaching the milestone and revealed that after his injury during the Ashes 2023, he had a lot to think about.

"It's something I'm very proud about, ending my Ashes the way I did, I had a lot of time to think about it. To do all my rehab and get back here, it's a special bunch of people. To take 500, it's a bl**dy big milestone,” Lyon told Channel 7. 

"Little bit of a trademark, I guess, Left hander, sliding on and hitting the pad. Was worried about the height but the fielders said the height was okay. I thought it may be hitting leg stump. Lucky enough it was three reds,” he added. 

I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys: Lyon

Furthermore, Nathan Lyon made his name alongside Warne and McGrath, who have 708 and 563 Test wickets, respectively. When he got to know about the same, Lyon revealed that he still pinches himself when he sees himself in that company. 

"I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys, I'm not even next below those guys in my eyes. Shane Warne is the greatest to ever play this game in my opinion and Glenn McGrath's record speaks volumes. To edge closer to those guys, it's something I'm proud of,” Lyon concluded.