Nathan Lyon vs Glenn McGrath: Decoding their stats in Tests
What's the story
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon entered record books on December 18, Thursday. The veteran became the 2nd-highest wicket-taker for Australia in Test cricket. He attained the milestone with his 2nd scalp on Day 2 at Adelaide Oval in the 3rd Ashes Test. Lyon dismissed Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett in his first over to surpass Glenn McGrath in terms of Test scalps. Here's a comparison.
Performance
Lyon takes two wickets against England on Day 2
After Australia perished for 371, it was Lyon who rocked England. He reduced the visitors to 42/3 in the 10th over. Lyon equaled McGrath when he dismissed Pope with the batter getting caught off a flick shot. Duckett then got beaten to be castled as Lyon went past McGrath. England ended Day 2 on 213/8 at stumps. Lyon claimed 2/51 from 22 overs.
Lyon stats
Breaking down Lyon's 564 Test wickets
In 141 Tests (261 innings), Lyon owns 564 wickets at 30.14. He owns 24 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket match hauls. As many as 112 of his Test scalps have come versus England in The Ashes from 32 matches (56 innings) at 29.43. Lyon has claimed 270 wickets at home, 274 away (home of opposition) and 20 at neutral venues, as per ESPNcricinfo.
McGrath stats
Breaking down McGrath's 563 Test wickets
Former Aussie pacer McGrath featured in 124 Tests (243 innings). This is 17 matches lesser than Lyon. McGrath managed 29 five-wicket hauls and three match hauls of 10 scalps. In 30 Ashes Tests, he bagged 157 wickets at 20.92 (5w: 10). Notably, the speedster claimed 289 wickets at home. He bagged 260 Test scalps away (home of opposition) and another 14 at neutral venues.
Information
Lyon's is the 6th-highest wicket-taker in Tests
Lyon is now the 6th-highest wicket-taker in Tests. Mutthiah Muralidaran leads the show with 800 scalps. Shane Warner picked 708 scalps in his career. James Anderson (704), Anil Kumble (619) and Stuart Broad (604) are next.
Twitter Post
History!
And with that absolute beauty, Nathan Lyon has passed Glenn McGrath for Test wickets! 564 😱#Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/wTofukUsYD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2025