Australian cricketing star Nathan Lyon has cemented his place in the history books by becoming the first-ever spinner to claim 200 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC). The historic achievement came on February 1, 2025, during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. Lyon’s milestone highlights his immense contribution to Australian cricket and solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest off-spinners in the modern era.
Journey to Becoming Australia’s Leading Spinner
Nathan Lyon’s cricketing journey began in New South Wales, where he initially worked as a groundsman before getting a breakthrough in professional cricket. His exceptional spin-bowling skills quickly caught the attention of selectors, earning him a spot in Australia’s Test team in 2011.
Over the years, Lyon has evolved into a crucial asset for the Australian Test squad. With over 500 Test wickets, he is the third-highest wicket-taker in Australian Test history, trailing only behind Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
Nathan Lyon’s Historic Feat
Lyon’s 200th WTC wicket came during the first session of the fourth day’s play against Sri Lanka. His milestone dismissal was that of former Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal, who was caught by Travis Head. With Chandimal’s wicket, Lyon became only the second bowler in WTC history to reach the 200-wicket mark, following Australia’s Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins.
Cummins was the first bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in WTC history, achieving the feat during the India-Australia Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5, 2025. If Lyon manages to claim one more wicket in Sri Lanka’s second innings, he will surpass Cummins and become the most successful bowler in WTC history.
Most wickets in WTC
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – 200
- Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 200*
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 195
- Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 168
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 156
Most wickets in WTC (by spinners)
- Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 200*
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 200
- Ravindra Jadeja (India) – 131
- Jack Leach (England) – 106
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) – 104
- Taijul Islam (Bangladesh) – 95
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh) – 87
- Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 85
- Noman Ali (Pakistan) – 75
- Axar Patel (India) – 68
Nathan Lyon’s Performance in the First Test against Sri Lanka
Lyon played a pivotal role in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the first innings, claiming three wickets and helping Australia bowl out the hosts for 165 runs. Thanks to Lyon’s efforts, Australia enforced the follow-on, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure.
Lyon has been instrumental in Australia’s dominance in Test cricket. His ability to perform in diverse conditions and deliver match-winning spells makes him one of the most reliable bowlers in the game.
Other Leading Wicket-Takers in WTC History
Former Indian spinner Ashwin finished his career with 195 WTC wickets in 41 matches. Australian fast bowler Starc currently has 168 WTC wickets in 44 matches. Indian pace sensation Bumrah has 156 wickets in 35 matches and is expected to add more in the upcoming Test series against England.
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