Could Nathan Lyon Really Chase Down Shane Warne’s Legendary 708 Test Wickets?
Something quietly remarkable has been unfolding in this Ashes series, and it all came into sharp focus on day two of the third Test in Adelaide. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s tireless off-spinner, has now moved past Glenn McGrath on the all-time Test wicket list. That moment alone was special. But what has really caught everyone’s attention is the bigger question now hanging in the air: could Lyon actually get close to Shane Warne’s seemingly untouchable record of 708 Test wickets?
The scene almost felt scripted. Lyon, back in the side after being left out of two of Australia’s last three Tests, was bowling on the very Adelaide Oval pitch he once helped prepare as a groundsman. It didn’t take long for history to be made. In his first over, Ollie Pope was caught at mid-wicket, drawing Lyon level with McGrath. Just three balls later, a beautifully flighted delivery turned past Ben Duckett’s bat and clipped off stump. In the space of minutes, Lyon had surged into outright second place among Australia’s greatest Test wicket-takers.
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Now only one name sits above him: Shane Warne. The late legend’s tally of 708 wickets has long been viewed as sacred ground, a mark built on skill, theatre, longevity, and an almost mythical relationship with spin-friendly conditions. Lyon himself has never pretended otherwise. He’s been open, honest, and grounded about the scale of the task. Another 144 wickets are needed, and at 38, nothing is being guaranteed.
Still, the idea isn’t being laughed off anymore. Lyon has been remarkably durable, averaging roughly four wickets per Test across his career. Australia are set to play around 20 Tests before the 2027 Ashes, possibly more if they reach another World Test Championship final. While no one expects him to suddenly start taking seven wickets every match, the calendar does offer opportunity. Series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where Lyon has enjoyed outstanding success, could be particularly fruitful. Even a challenging tour like South Africa isn’t being written off entirely.
What strengthens the argument is Lyon’s continued importance to this Australian side. His absence during the 2023 Ashes was felt immediately, with Australia failing to win a Test once he was injured. When Lyon plays, control is applied, pressure is built, and matches tend to tilt Australia’s way.
Catching Shane Warne may still feel like a long shot, and in truth, it probably remains one. But Lyon isn’t chasing hype or headlines. He’s chasing consistency, selection, and time. And if those things are granted, his name may keep inching closer to one of cricket’s most iconic records than anyone ever expected.
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