Australia captain Pat Cummins praised off-spinner Nathan Lyon ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Lyon’s upcoming match will mark his 100th consecutive Test, a record unmatched by any other spinner in cricket history. Having debuted in 2011, the 35-year-old has played 121 Tests for Australia. Cummins commended Lyon’s durability, highlighting his remarkable fitness and consistent form.
“It’s a testament to not only how good Nath is in terms of longevity and fitness and form, but to be able to play 100 Tests means you’re getting picked in all conditions,”
Cummins said.
“I know at the start of his career, you’d talk about (possibly playing) four quicks at the Gabba but he’s just so valuable to our team that I couldn’t imagine a side without Nath in there,”
he further added.
In his Test career, Lyon has taken 495 wickets in 121 matches, with an average of 30.99. He ranks third in Australia’s all-time leading wicket-takers, behind the legendary duo of Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708). Lyon also topped the wicket charts in the World Test Championship cycle 2021-23, accumulating 88 wickets in 20 matches. In the first Ashes Test, Lyon stood out for Australia, claiming eight wickets with figures of 4/149 and 4/80 in the two innings.
Lyon picked Kumar Sangakkara’s wicket on the first ball of his Test career
Lyon made a remarkable start to his career by dismissing the renowned Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara with his first-ever delivery in the format. In his debut innings, he achieved a five-wicket haul (5/34) and contributed to Australia’s victory by 125 runs. With 109 wickets, Lyon currently ranks among the top 15 highest wicket-takers in Ashes history. He further aims to increase his wicket count. And climb higher in the list as Australia strives to win the Ashes series in England after 22 years.
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