Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has hailed Nathan Lyon as the linchpin of the bowling lineup. The Australian off-spinner etched his name in history during the first AUS vs PAK Test by surpassing 500 Test wickets, becoming only the second off-spinner to achieve this significant milestone.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that he (Lyon) is probably the most important cog in our bowling line-up,” Cummins said of the spinner after the Test match.
In a dominant performance at Perth Stadium, Pat Cummins and his team secured a commanding 360-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test. Despite being tasked with chasing a substantial target of 450, Pakistan faltered and were eventually bowled out for a mere 89 runs in 30.2 overs.
Nathan Lyon picks up 500th wicket in AUS vs PAK
Nathan Lyon achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets during the first Test of the 3-match series against Pakistan. Lyon secured his 500th wicket in the second innings after the pacers had already dismantled half of the Pakistan lineup.
Heading into the Perth Test against Pakistan, Lyon needed 4 wickets to reach the historic milestone. Faheem Ashraf became Lyon’s 500th Test wicket. Apart from Lyon, only two Australian bowlers, Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563), have taken more than 500 Test wickets.
“This game is probably a little bit different. But most games where he’s bowling 30 overs a day, basically just put him down one end and he’s not going to go for many runs. He’s going to take a few wickets and then us quick bowlers can just rotate through the other end,” he further added.
Nathan Lyon to close in Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets
Pat Cummins expressed confidence in Nathan Lyon’s ability to continue playing for another five years and predicted that Lyon could accumulate 700 wickets. Cummins believes Lyon has the potential to match the legendary Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets.
. “I still think you’ve got 40 or 50 Test matches, that’s four or five years with 10 (matches) a year. Averaging four or five a game, so a couple of hundred (wickets) – that’s 700.” he added.
The Test against Pakistan marked Lyon’s return from injury during the Ashes series, where he suffered a calf injury and had to return to Australia. Cummins emphasized Lyon’s absence during the Ashes, which concluded in a 2-2 draw.
“No doubt he was missed over there in England (during this year’s Ashes series) for sure. As a captain, it makes it a lot easier knowing that a bloke who has played 100-odd Test matches knows his craft and can bowl pretty much in any conditions, you just let him get to work so it’s great having him back. Yeah, another 500 to go,” Cummins concluded.
The home side will now enjoy an extended break with some preparations leading up to the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan on the other hand will be concentrating on building momentum through a practice match against a Victorian XI starting from Friday.
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