🏏 Lyon's Dream Over: 2nd Behind Warne in Wickets

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Lyon hits 564 Test wkts, 2nd behind Warne's 708
2🏆 2 in 1st over: Pope c&b, Duckett bowled off-stump
3💡 Vintage drifter revives after Brisbane snub
4🔮 Targets Gabba glory in Ashes decider
5💬 Lyon: 'No point to prove'

"The offspinner, who was left out in Brisbane, struck twice in his first over of the Adelaide Test "

Nathan Lyon roared back in the Adelaide Test, snaring two in his first over to surge past Glenn McGrath as Australia's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 564, trailing only Shane Warne's 708. Dropped in Brisbane, the offspinner dismissed Ollie Pope (caught midwicket) and Ben Duckett (classic spin past edge) on a turning Adelaide pitch. This vintage spell in Ashes 2026 cements Lyon's legacy at 38.

Lyon, stuck on 562 for five months due to pink-ball pace attacks and injury, bowled just two overs in Perth. Career: 38.81 average, 525 Tests wickets pre-spell; 7 five-fors. Echoes Warne's 1990s dominance; Lyon's return mirrors Stuart Broad's farewell hauls. Pivotal for Australia's series revival post-Gabba loss.

Classic Lyon: Spin Mastery Revived

First wicket: Pope spooned to midwicket (equal McGrath). Second: around-wicket drifter pitching good length, spinning off-stump—textbook offspin (Lyon's 42% LBW rate). Adelaide stats: 25 wickets at 22 avg vs England. Compares Muttiah Muralitharan's first-over doubles; Lyon's 1000+ FC wickets underpin this. Post-Perth minimal role, proves selectors' error.

Ashes Equation: Lyon's Strike Shifts Momentum

Adelaide win positions Australia 1-1; Lyon's haul pressures England's batting (avg 25.4 vs spin). Series context: pink-ball Tests favored pace, but day Tests suit Lyon (career 30% wickets days 3-5). Elevates him above Craig McDermott (with Brett Lee next).

Gabba Showdown: Warne's Shadow Looms

Third Test looms; Lyon eyes 10-wicket match to chase Warne. Fans track: can he add 144 more in career twilight? Must-watch for spin aficionados amid Australia's home dominance.