Australian veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is all set to make not just one but two milestones in the upcoming fourth and final Test match against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. The Test match is scheduled to be played beginning from Friday (Jan 15).
The Brisbane Test match would be Lyon’s 100th Test match for Australia. Having debuted in the year 2011 against Sri Lanka in Galle, this would be a great achievement in under 10 years. Prior to Lyon, 12 players have represented Australia in this format so far in 100 or more Test matches. Steve Waugh (168) and Ricky Ponting (168) have played more Test matches for Australia thus far.
Moreover, Lyon currently have 396 wickets in this format of the game. He needs 4 more to become only third Australian to bag 400 wickets in Tests. Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563) are the others among Australian players to have achieved this feat thus far.
Nathan Lyon reflecting on the milestone:
“I look at the other 12 guys who have played more than 100 Test matches of cricket for Australia and they’re pure legends. Not just for Australia but (other 100-Test players from) all around the world, I’m going to pinch myself each and everyday to see my name up against those fellows.”
“It’s pretty amazing. I’ve tried in the past not to look too far ahead. But I’m pretty excited about this; just the thought of playing 100 Test matches for Australia is very humbling.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently level 1-1 with just a match to go in this 4-match series. Australia won the first Test match at Adelaide Oval bowling out India for just 36 runs in their second innings while India made a strong comeback to win the second Test match at MCG. The third Test match at SCG with India playing 131 overs in the fourth innings courtesy a valiant effort from Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari on Day 5.
Opinion:
It would be a wonderful achievement for Lyon to play 100 Test matches for Australia. Meanwhile, it would be tough for Lyon to pick 4 wickets against India in Brisbane! Considering his current form in the series, he accounted for only 6 wickets in the first three Test matches – 1 in Adelaide, 3 in Melbourne, 2 in Sydney. However, he should be motivated with the 64 wickets he picked up in 9 Tests at this venue!
0 Comments