Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has praised Australian player Nathan Lyon for achieving 500 Test wickets. Doull touted Nathan Lyon as a modern-day great and highlighted how even in seam-friendly conditions, the off-spinner manages to take wickets.
Nathan Lyon became the eighth bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 500 Test wickets. The off-spinner became the fourth spinner to achieve the feat and joined the elite list of greats in Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Nathan Lyon achieved the feat during the first game of the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. The match took place at the Optus Stadium in Perth and the player achieved the feat during the second innings of the match and helped his team win the game.
Nathan Lyon reached the golden number ‘500’ when he caught Pakistani all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in lbw. He, however, had his heart in his mouth because the left-hander opted for DRS. But luckily for him, the tracker showed three reds and he accomplished the feat.
Nathan Lyon became the third Australian bowler after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to achieve the feat. He reached the milestone in his 123rd game and made many stand up and applaud him for his heroics.
Simon Doull was amazed that Nathan Lyon achieved this enormous feat. Doull praised him as an excellent bowler and said that he is excellent for Australian cricket. Speaking on Star Sports, he explained:
“Nathan Lyon’s performance against Pakistan, taking his 500th Test wicket, is absolutely exceptional. He is a genuine weapon, a great player of the modern game, the fourth player to only pick 500 Test wickets. I am sure Ashwin is not far away for Indian fans. Lyon has been brilliant, absolutely magnificent throughout all these years.
“He has bowled a lot in Australia. Half of his Test matches have been on the surface, which he doesn’t really tour except SCG. His performances in India have not been the best throughout his career, which has probably been a bit disappointing for Nathan Lyon. But for me he is a great Australian cricketer. “
AUS vs PAK: Big congratulations to him for achieving the great feat – Piyush Chawla on Nathan Lyon
Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla, who was also part of the debate on Star Sports, also praised Nathan Lyon for the achievement. Chawla highlighted his journey from being a fielder to one of the best spinners. The Indian expert congratulated him on his milestone and stated:
“With the background he had, from being a fielder to taking 500 wickets in Tests, that too in Australia where fast bowlers play a big role, is a big achievement. Congratulations to him for achieving this enormous feat.”
Nathan Lyon has not played a white ball for more than 4 years. He has been prioritizing Test cricket and is still going strong. With the way he’s going, it’s fair to say he can achieve a few more milestones. He will next be seen in action during the Boxing Day match against Pakistan on December 26 in Melbourne.