Records are meant to be broken: McGrath backs Lyon to top all time Australia list

Listen to Story Legendary Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath backed off spinner Nathan Lyon to continue going on a record breaking spree. to get to 500 Test wickets. The veteran off spinner achieved the feat during the first Test of the ongoing 3 match series against Pakistan in Perth in December 2023.

Glenn McGrath, who will be in Sydney for the Pink Test from January 3, said he was confident that Nathan Lyon would go past his Test tally and he has no problems being overtaken by the veteran off spinner. Lyon is in the third spot in Australia's all time Test list with 505 wickets in 124 matches.

McGrath had finished his career with 563 wickets in 124 Tests while the late Shane Warne had 708 Test wickets in 145 Tests. Lyon, 36, has shown no signs of slowing down and has been an integral member of the Australian Test side, both overseas and at home. Lyon's ability to trouble opposition batters with his off spin on pitches in Australia that are not conducive for spin bowling has set him apart from the rest.

“To me, records are there for people to break. If Lyono goes past (me), credit to him. He’s had an incredible career. I wish him all the best, I hope he goes past me. That’s what it’s about," McGrath said in Sydney as his foundation was preparing for the Pink Test, aimed at raising awareness about Breast Cancer and fundraising.

"I will still be the most wickets by a fast bowler, so at least I have got something up my sleeve," he added. The former Australian fast bowler did not rule out Nathan Lyon's chances of going past Shane Warné's tally, saying it would be completely up to the off spinner to decide if he wanted to give that shot.

Whether he gets to ‘Shano’, that might be a different kettle of fish. It is up to him. He is obviously bowling well, he knows the game so well. It is totally up to him," McGrath added. Lyon flaunted his commitment and passion for the game when he made an incredible recovery from a calf injury tha sidelined him for the second half of the 2023 season.

Lyon underwent a rigorous 13 week rehabilitation program to get fit in time for the series against Pakistan. Lyon has often spoken about his desire to prolong his career. After getting to 500, Lyon stressed the importance of not taking anything for granted and putting in the hard yards, day in and day out.

“Nice to get back after the injury, I have not taken anything for granted, especially playing for Australia, appreciate every moment of my career,” he had said..