Nathan Lyon comes up with epic reaction after completing 500 Test wickets

Australia’s veteran spinner, Nathan Lyon, etched his name in cricketing history during the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan in Perth on December 17. Lyon’s monumental achievement of reaching the 500-wicket milestone was met with an epic reaction, quickly going viral across the internet. 

The spinner’s remarkable feat came on the fourth day of the match, where Australia secured a commanding victory over Pakistan by a margin of 360 runs. However, his reaction after the match is winning hearts all over the internet as he was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo, “I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys.”

Lyon’s journey to 500 wickets was not without its challenges. Earlier in the year, a calf injury forced him to cut short his Ashes series, leaving him sidelined for months. This setback marked the first injury in Lyon’s illustrious 12-year-long career. Undeterred, Lyon made a swift return to the pitch, reaching the 499-wicket mark after dismissing Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Aamer Jamal in the first innings of the Perth Test.

Australia defeated Pakistan by 360 runs in 1st Test

As the Australian pacers dominated Pakistan‘s second innings, Lyon’s moment finally arrived on the fourth day when he successfully removed Faheem Ashraf, winning the lbw review. Lyon’s achievement makes him the eighth bowler in Test history to claim 500 wickets and only the third Australian to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of legends Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563). Furthermore, Lyon joins an exclusive list of spinners with 500 Test wickets, alongside Muthiah Muralidaran and Anil Kumble.

The match itself showcased Australia’s dominance, with Mitchell Marsh being named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance. Australia’s comprehensive victory not only highlighted Lyon’s historic milestone but also underlined the team’s prowess in Test cricket. As Lyon takes his place among the cricketing greats, his 500-wicket achievement adds another illustrious chapter to his remarkable career and solidifies his legacy in the annals of the sport.