Nathan Lyon sets a record for most Test runs without a half-century during 1st NZ vs AUS Test

Star Australian spinner Nathan Lyon achieved a unique record during the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand. Nathan Lyon emerged as the top run-getter in Australia’s second innings in the ongoing match in Wellington on Saturday, March 2.

Nathan Lyon came to bat as a nightwatchman after the early dismissals of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne on the second day. The right-handed batter got a reprieve as Tim Southee dropped a catch on the final ball of the second day while batting on just six runs.

Nathan Lyon Breaks Kemar Roach’s Record During First Test

The 36-year-old cricketer made the most of the opportunity and scored 41 runs off 46 balls, with the help of six fours. Lyon fell short of a half-century by nine runs as he was dismissed by pacer Matt Henry. The visiting team lost their third wicket for 53 runs in 16 overs.

Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon now holds the record for the most Test runs (1501) without a half-century. West Indies pace bowler Kemar Roach is in second place, with 1,174 runs in 81 Tests, followed by Pakistani pace legend Waqar Younis, who has scored 1,010 runs in 87 Tests.

Lyon represented Australia in 128 Test matches during his illustrious 13-year international career. The lower-order batter has scored 1,501 runs in 162 innings at an average of 12.72. The veteran has failed to score a half-century in his career, with his best score being 47 runs.

Glenn Phillips Bags Maiden Five Wicket Haul In Test Cricket

Australia set a formidable target of 369 runs for New Zealand. The Pat Cummins-led side was dismissed for 164 in the second innings. Cameron Green (34), Travis Head (29), and Usman Khawaja (28) made notable contributions but failed to convert them into big scores.

All-rounder Glenn Phillips ran through Australia’s batting lineup and claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the longer format of the game. Glenn Phillips picked up five wickets for 45 runs, supported by Matt Henry (3/36) and skipper Tim Southee (2/46) with the ball.

Earlier, Australia secured a significant 204-run lead in the first innings, restricting New Zealand to 179 runs. The home team collapsed to 29/5, but the middle and lower-order batters showcased resilience. Phillips scored 71 runs off 70 deliveries, featuring 13 fours.

Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in his spell. Josh Hazlewood took two wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh each bagged one scalp in New Zealand’s first innings of the ongoing match.

The Tim Southee-led team ended the third day’s play with a score of 111/3. Young all-rounder Rachind Ravindra (56) and Daryl Mitchell (12) remained unbeaten at the stumps on Day 3. The home team still needs 258 runs to score the victory in the series opener.

New Zealand vs Australia Playing XI:

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee(c), Scott Kuggeleijn, William Rourke

Australia: Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Also read: Nathan Lyon surpasses Courtney Walsh’s Test record during the 1st Test against New Zealand