Heading into the Perth Test of the Pakistan series opener, Nathan Lyon, then boasting 496 wickets, recognized the influence of Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin on his career. The Australian off-spinner expressed his gratitude, referring to Ashwin as "one of my most significant mentors."
Following Lyon's words gaining traction on social media, he and Ashwin engaged in a heartwarming exchange on X. Four days later, Lyon achieved the milestone of 500 wickets, prompting Ashwin to offer a 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time) reaction in praise of his Australian counterpart.
Lyon appeared destined to reach the 500-wicket mark earlier in the year, but a calf injury during the Ashes series interrupted his progress, marking his first-ever injury setback in his 12-year career. Despite months on the sidelines, Lyon swiftly reached 499 wickets by dismissing Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Aamer Jamal in the first innings against Pakistan at the Optus Stadium, where he held an impressive track record.
Although it initially seemed that Lyon might be stuck on 499 wickets, he seized the moment on the fourth day by removing Faheem Ashraf, following a successful lbw review, as the Australian pace bowlers dominated Pakistan's second innings.
Lyon's achievement of 500 wickets makes him the eighth bowler in Test history to reach this milestone and the third Australian, joining the ranks of Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563). Additionally, he becomes the fourth spinner in this exclusive list, alongside Muthiah Muralidaran and Anil Kumble.
Moments after the big achievement, Ashwin took to social media to hail Lyon as a 'GOAT' in his striking message for the the Aussie. He posted: “8th bowler and only the 2nd off spinner in history to pick 500 test wickets. @NathLyon421 congrats mate #AUSvsPAK.”
"It's something I'm very proud about," he told Channel Seven. "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 bloody big milestone.
"Little bit of a trademark, I guess," he added of the landmark wicket. "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."
Ashwin sits next on the wicket-taking list with 489 scalps ahead of India's two-Test series in South Africa followed by five matches at home against England starting late late January.
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