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Australian spinner Nathan Lyon etched his name in cricketing history on Friday, January 3, 2025, by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC). Lyon surpassed Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s record of 195 wickets by dismissing Shubman Gill on the last ball before lunch during Day 1 of the ongoing fifth India-Australia Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
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Key Moment
Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma in India’s playing XI for the final Test, was caught at first slip by Steve Smith for 20 runs off 64 balls. This historic dismissal marked Lyon’s 196th WTC wicket, cementing his position as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
WTC Wicket-Takers Standings
- Nathan Lyon: 196 wickets in 48 matches
- Ravichandran Ashwin: 195 wickets in 41 matches
- Pat Cummins: 195 wickets in 47 matches (currently playing the fifth Test)
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could also surpass Ashwin’s tally if he takes a wicket during the ongoing match.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Lyon’s achievement comes after a stellar performance in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Australia secured a 184-run victory. Lyon claimed five wickets across two innings in that match, breaking Ashwin’s record of 537 Test wickets.
Currently, Lyon ranks as Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
Eyeing More Milestones
Lyon, a crucial figure in Australia’s lineup, aims to create more history by becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in WTC history. With 52 wickets in 14 matches during the ongoing 2023–25 WTC cycle, Lyon remains a pivotal player for Australia in their upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
Consistency Across Cycles
Lyon has consistently dominated across all three editions of the WTC, with a unique record of dismissing at least 50 batters in each cycle. He also holds the record for the most dismissals in a single WTC edition, taking 88 wickets in 20 matches during the 2021–23 cycle.
Looking Ahead
The 37-year-old continues to showcase his resilience and skill, inspiring fans and players alike. As Lyon edges closer to the 200-wicket milestone, his legacy in Test cricket and the WTC remains unmatched.
