McGrath backs Lyon’s chase

Glenn McGrath is bracing himself to become Nathan Lyon’s next victim – but he doesn’t care.

In fact he hopes he is. Lyon sailed past the 500 Test wicket milestone to start the summer and is just 58 away from eclipsing McGrath’s mark of 563 scalps as the second most successful wickettaker in the history of Australian cricket.

McGrath on Monday launched the 16th year of the McGrath Foundation Pink Test in Sydney – with the foundation named in honour of his late wife Jane – to raise funds to employ 250 breast care nurses to provide support for women across the country.

McGrath said Lyon had earnt the right to play long enough to chase his old teammate Shane Warne’s remarkable record of 708 Test wickets, if he wants to.

“To me, records are there for people to break. If ‘Lyno’ goes past (me), credit to him. He’s had an incredible career,” McGrath said.

“You saw the impact that he has on the team by not being there at the end of the Ashes.

“I wish him all the best. I hope he goes past me. That’s what it’s all about.

“Whether he gets to Shano (Warne) that might be a different kettle of fish. It’s up to him. He’s obviously bowling well, he knows his game so well: it’s totally up to him.”

McGrath said his foundation was indebted to the support of Australian captain Pat Cummins, who lost his mother to cancer this year.

“It’s a huge sign of respect. For Pat Cummins and the team, (to give their support) year in, year out is absolutely amazing,” McGrath said.

“I hope they feel a little bit of credit over what’s been achieved here as well. I take it as a huge sign of respect.

“This doesn’t work unless you get support from everyone across the board and the way everyone’s come together is what sport should be about.”