Lyon reaches 500 as Oz thump Pak

Perth (Australia),

17: Nathan Lyon took his 500th Test wicket Sunday as Australia dismissed a rattled Pakistan for just 89 to post a thumping 360run win in the opening Test at Perth.

Pakistan’s unlikely bid to win their first Test in Australia since 1995 was left in tatters by the spin king and the home side’s formidable pace attack, who wrapped up the game inside four days.

Chasing 450 for victory, the visitors succumbed meekly with Lyon taking 2/14. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood both grabbed three wickets each.

“Great start to the summer, everything fell into place. We’ve played a lot of cricket, so the build-up was very chilled and relaxed,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins. “No hiccups this week, it’s all gone to plan.

“500 Test wickets around the world is huge,” he added of Lyon. “Couldn’t be happier for him.”

After being left stranded on 499 after Pakistan’s first innings, Lyon finally reached the milestone when he trapped Faheem

Ashraf lbw but there was an agonising wait as it went to review.

He then bowled Aamer Jamal in the same over, joining an elite club of just seven others, including fellow spinners Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka and Australia’s Shane Warne.

“Great feeling to take 500 wickets,” said Lyon. “I have not taken anything for granted, especially playing for Australia, and appreciate every moment of my career.”

Australia declared on day four at 233/5 after Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, in reply to the hosts’ 487.

Cummins made the call after opener Usman Khawaja was out for a gutsy 90 on a deteriorating pitch after a 126-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh.

They now head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test.

BRIEF SCORES Australia 487 & 233/5 decl. (Usman Khawaja 90, Mitchell Marsh 63 n.o., Khurram Shahzad 3/45) beat Pakistan 271 & 89 (Saud Shakeel 24, Josh Hazlewood 3/13, Mitchell Starc 3/31, Nathan Lyon 2/14).