Lyon joins elite class of bowlers

NATHAN Lyon has joined a group of Australia’s most prolific bowlers after taking his four-hundredth test wicket.

The off-spinner became just the third Aussie player to reach the milestone of Test scalps behind Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563).

He is also just the 17th bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 400 wickets.

Lyon had Dawid Malan caught by Marnus Labuschagne at bat pad for 82 early on day four to notch the quadruple ton at the Gabba in the first Ashes Test against England.

Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming praised the remarkable achievement.

“Congratulations to Nathan Lyon, he’s raising the ball to the fans to give him a bit of a clap and his teammates,” Fleming said on SEN Test Cricket.

“Never goes over (the top) with his celebrations, I reckon there will be a fair bit of relief there.

“It’s been a long time coming.”

Lyon then proceeded to dismiss Ollie Pope cheaply for his 401st wicket as the Aussies wrestled back control in the second innings.

The 34-year-old has achieved the feat in his 101st test match at an average of a shade over 32.

He sits above the likes of Dennis Lillee (355), Mitchell Johnson (313) and Brett Lee (310) for test wickets taken by an Australian bowler.

Australia took a 1-0 series lead after winning the first test in Brisbane by nine wickets.

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN