Nathan Lyon nears historic milestone of 500 Test wickets

Nathan Lyon, a prominent figure in Australian cricket, is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in his career. With 495 Test wickets to his name, the 35-year-old off-spinner is on the cusp of becoming only the eighth cricketer in history to reach the illustrious 500-wicket mark. Lyon could potentially accomplish this feat during the upcoming Ashes match in London.

Lyon’s journey towards this milestone began when he was unexpectedly chosen by Michael Hussey to succeed him in leading the team song after his retirement from Test cricket in 2013. Despite having only 19 Test caps at the time and experiencing a lacklustre home summer, Lyon’s selection surprised many. However, Hussey believed in Lyon’s exceptional character and his deep respect for the Australian cricketing tradition embodied by the baggy green cap.

Since then, Lyon has not only become an integral part of the team’s culture but also the heart and soul of the Australian cricket team. He has passionately sung ‘Under The Southern Cross I Stand’ on 54 occasions, solidifying his position as a revered member of the squad. Lyon’s unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment have resulted in his remarkable achievement of 99 consecutive Test appearances, a feat accomplished by only six other cricketers in history.

Nathan Lyon will become the first bowler to play 100 consecutive Tests! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/0Bq2SCMZob

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 24, 2023

While Lyon’s achievement is remarkable in itself, it is his longevity and versatility as a specialist bowler that sets him apart. In an era where injuries and fluctuating conditions often lead to players being dropped or rotated, Lyon’s consistent presence in the starting XI for nearly a decade is a testament to his reliability and adaptability. Even as spinners are sometimes overlooked due to unfavourable conditions, Lyon’s name remains one of the first to be inked onto the team sheet, regardless of the location or circumstances.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Lyon humbly acknowledges his fortune and expresses gratitude for his journey thus far. Despite approaching the monumental 500-wicket mark, Lyon remains focused on the present, with no intentions of retiring anytime soon. He still believes he has a significant amount of cricket left in him and is determined to pursue more goals in the coming years.

As Lyon’s career progresses, he continues to refine his craft and fine-tune his reliable stock ball. His recent Test bowling average dipping below 31 for the first time since 2013 is a testament to his consistent growth as a player. Although surpassing Shane Warne’s record of 708 Test wickets may be a tall order, Lyon has expressed a desire to face India one final time in 2027, showcasing his unwavering passion for the game and his ongoing pursuit of improvement.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits Lyon’s potential milestone, all eyes will be on the upcoming Ashes contest at Lord’s. Lyon’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the game, remarkable achievements can be realised.

Additionally, for the upcoming second Ashes Test, Australia is currently favoured at odds of $2.08 with the top cricket bookmakers to secure a victory, while they are also priced at $1.50 to win the series overall. These odds reflect the confidence placed in the Australian team, with Lyon’s potential milestone adding further excitement to their campaign.

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