Humble Lyon equals Lillee’s mark
london — Nathan Lyon was uncomfortable seeing himself alongside some of Australia’s greatest cricketers after he equalled Dennis Lillee’s tally of Test wickets on Thursday.
Off-spinner Lyon took 3-68, a haul that saw him draw level with celebrated fast bowler Lillee’s tally of 355 Test wickets, as England were dismissed for 258 in their first innings on the second day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
That left Lyon equal third in Australia’s all-time list of leading wicket-takers, with only the retired duo of leg-spinner Shane Warne (708) and paceman Glenn McGrath (563) ahead of him.
“I’ve always said I am not about personal milestones or personal achievements, it’s about winning Test matches and Test series for Australia,” said Lyon.
“I haven’t really had the time to sit back and think about it,” added the 31-year-old who got to the mark in 88 matches — 18 more than Lillee, who played the last of his 70 Tests in 1984. The often outspoken Lyon, who prior to Australia’s 4-0 2017/18 home series win in the last Ashes campaign said he hoped the team could “end the careers” of several England players, has rarely given the impression of lacking confidence.
But he insisted he felt awkward with the company he was now keeping. “I really struggle to see myself up with the likes of Warne, McGrath, Lillee, it doesn’t sit well with me,” Lyon said.
“In my eyes those guys are true legends of the game and I’m just some bloke trying to bowl off breaks and trying to make Australian fans proud of the Australian cricket team.” —