Nathan Lyon surpasses Courtney Walsh's Test record during the 1st Test against New Zealand. 

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon enriches his cricket legacy on Day 2 of the first Test match against New Zealand. Nathan Lyon showcased his bowling prowess during New Zealand’s first innings, surpassing the legendary West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh’s record.

The Pat Cummins-led team demonstrated dominance during the series opener at Basin Reserve in Wellington. The visitors bowled out the Tim Southee-led side for just 179 runs in the first innings. They took a substantial 204-run lead after the first innings of both teams.

Nathan Lyon emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Australia, taking four wickets for 43 runs in his spell. Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh contributed one wicket each on the second day of the ongoing match.

Nathan Lyon Surpasses Courtney Walsh’s Record During First Test

On Friday, March 1, Nathan Lyon surpassed the wicket tally of Courtney Walsh to become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. The off-spinner achieved this significant landmark after taking the wicket of New Zealand skipper Tim Southee.

Lyon has taken 521 wickets in 128 Tests, averaging 30.57, with his best bowling figures in an innings being 8/50. Walsh secured 519 wickets in 132 Tests at an impressive average of 24.44. Notably, James Anderson (698) has more wickets than Lyon among active cricketers.

Lyon has achieved several milestones and set records in his test career. He has showcased remarkable endurance and exceptional accuracy. He still trails behind Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, Stuart Broad, and Glenn McGrath.

Australia Takes Massive First Innings Lead In Ongoing First Test Match

Earlier, the visiting team resumed play on the second day at 277-9. They managed to score 383 runs in their first innings. Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood added an exceptional 116-run stand for the 10th wicket. Green scored an unbeaten 174 off 275 deliveries.

The visitors managed to bowl out New Zealand in a session and a half on the second day. New Zealand scored 179 runs in the first innings, conceding a significant 204-run lead. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 71 runs off 70 deliveries, with the help of 13 boundaries.

Australia resumed their batting innings, choosing not to enforce the follow-on. However, they faced early setbacks and lost wickets quickly, reaching 4-2 in the fifth over. Tim Southee picked up the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the final session.

In a strategic move to avoid further losses, the Australian team sent Nathan Lyon as nightwatchman at No. 4 for the remainder of the day’s play. However, Lyon survived on the final ball of the second day as Tim Southee dropped a catch at slips off Matt Henry’s bowling.

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: Watch: “Nothing but respect” – Nathan Lyon shares special message after Ravichandran Ashwin enters 500 Test wickets club