Nathan Lyon on Sunday became just the eighth bowler to achieve the feat of 500 Test wickets when he got rid of Faheem Ashraf in the fourth innings of the PAK vs AUS 1st Test. The off-spinner told reporters after the match that he had to pinch himself to believe he had really achieved the feat.
Resuming the day at 84/2, Australia declared 233-5 shortly after lunch on Sunday after Khawaja was caught at deep third man on 90.
After scoring 90 in the 1st innings, Australian batter Mitchell Marsh played a fantastic knock in the second innings too, staying unbeaten at 63 from 68 balls.
Chasing 450 for victory, Pakistan were rolled for 89 in 30.2 overs, with Starc (3-31), Josh Hazlewood (3-13) and Lyon (2-14) sharing the spoils.
The highlight of the day went to Lyon, who took until his seventh over of the day to get the wicket he required to reach 500 Test wickets.
After initially being denied an LBW shout for Ashraf, Australia successfully reviewed the umpire’s decision as ball-tracking showed the ball would have gone on to hit the middle stump.
The crowd roared and each of his teammates embraced him as the DRS call was confirmed.
Lyon has now joined Australian spinner Shane Warne with 708 wickets and former fast bowler Glenn McGrath with 563 wickets as the only Australians to have broken the magical 500 wicket barrier.
Talking after the match, Lyon said he still can’t believe his name has been etched with these greats.
Not taking anything for granted: Nathan Lyon
“I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys. Bit of a trademark, the left hander, sliding on and hitting the pad. Lucky enough it was three reds,” Lyon was quoted as saying after the match.
Lyon suffered a calf injury in the second Test of the Ashes against England earlier this year, which ruled him out for two months. He returned to international action in the Perth Test after playing domestic cricket to prepare for the series.
“Nice to get back after the injury, I have not taken anything for granted, especially playing for Australia, appreciate every moment of my career,” he added.