Nathan Lyon is no stranger to Ashes drama, but what unfolded in Adelaide has now placed the Australian off-spinner firmly into cricket history and left England facing yet another uphill battle in this year’s series.
During a pivotal morning session, Nathan Lyon became Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, moving past the legendary Glenn McGrath.
For UK fans, it was a reminder of just how damaging Lyon can be when conditions suit him, and how costly England’s familiar struggles against spin remain.
How did Nathan Lyon make Test cricket history?
Lyon reached the landmark by dismissing Ben Duckett with a classic off-break, a delivery that drifted, dipped and turned just enough to beat the bat.
Key milestone
- Test wickets: 564
- Position: 2nd on Australia’s all-time Test wicket list
- Surpassed: Glenn McGrath (563 wickets)
- Only behind: Shane Warne (708 wickets)
This achievement came despite Lyon being overlooked earlier in the series, having been omitted in Brisbane and barely used in Perth. His return in Adelaide proved decisive.
Oh my word how’s the turn from Nathan Lyon #Ashes pic.twitter.com/De2R8775Cc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 20, 2025
“I knew my time would come if I stayed patient,” Lyon said in post-play comments to Australian media, reflecting on his selection setback.
Why was Lyon’s return so damaging for England?
The Adelaide pitch offered grip, bounce and sharp turn, conditions that played directly into Lyon’s strengths. England’s top and middle order struggled to settle, with footwork hesitant and shot selection cautious.
MASSIVE MOMENT – NATHAN LYON CLEANS UP STOKES
One huge step towards Australia winning the Ashes…#AUSvENG #Ashes pic.twitter.com/YosRIkwSbd
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 20, 2025
Lyon was introduced in just the 10th over, and immediately struck twice:
- Ollie Pope – bowled
- Ben Duckett – caught
That double breakthrough shifted momentum sharply towards Australia and exposed England’s long-standing vulnerability to high-quality spin bowling in overseas Tests.
What went wrong with England’s batting again?
England ended the day 326 for 8, a scoreline that flattered them, given the pressure applied.
Captain Ben Stokes attempted to anchor the innings, scoring 52 from 152 balls, but his resistance highlighted the wider issue: survival rather than control.
After the previous Test loss, Stokes admitted England failed to cope with sustained pressure. “We’re not absorbing pressure well enough at the moment,” Stokes said earlier in the series.
Against Lyon, that problem resurfaced. At one stage, Stokes managed just two runs from 20 balls, with Lyon bowling nine consecutive overs that squeezed England relentlessly.
How did Australia’s bowlers outclass England?
Lyon was not acting alone. Australia’s attack worked as a disciplined unit, maintaining tight lines despite extreme heat nearing 40°C.
Standout bowling performances
- Nathan Lyon: Control, drift, and relentless accuracy
- Pat Cummins: Early breakthrough removing Zak Crawley
- Cameron Green: Economical spell that dried up scoring options
- Scott Boland: 17 consecutive dot balls after tea
Boland’s spell in particular showcased Australia’s patience, something England’s bowlers have struggled to replicate in this series.
Is England’s bowling depth now a concern?
As England welcomed Jofra Archer to the crease during a ninth-wicket stand, questions grew around the visitors’ bowling balance.
England’s frontline bowlers have found it difficult to:
- Maintain pressure for long spells
- Exploit helpful conditions
- Contain Australia’s lower order
In contrast, Australia’s bowlers have consistently dictated tempo, a key reason they continue to control the series narrative.
What does Nathan Lyon’s achievement mean in Ashes history?
Lyon’s rise from a late-career selection gamble to a modern great is now complete. Once labelled a stopgap spinner, he has become one of the most reliable match-winners in Ashes Test cricket.
For England supporters, his success is an uncomfortable reminder that:
- Spin remains a tactical weakness overseas
- Adaptability against slow bowling is still lacking
- Experience and patience often trump aggressive intent
