Australian legend Glenn McGrath had a funny reaction after Nathan Lyon overtook him on the all-time wicket-takers list during the third Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series against England in Adelaide. McGrath jokingly pretended to react angrily to the milestone, even mock-slamming his chair, but with a smile on his face.
After being ruled out of the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, Lyon returned with immediate effect in Adelaide. The off-spinner put England under early pressure by striking twice in his first over on the second day, dismissing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. He changed the rhythm of Australia by taking quick wickets.
Glenn McGrath reacts hilariously when Nathan Lyon overtakes him on all-time list
Nathan Lyon achieved a major feat during the Adelaide Test by surpassing Glenn McGrath in Australia’s all-time Test wicket list. He equaled McGrath by dismissing Ollie Pope and then went ahead of him by dismissing Ben Duckett.
Lyon became Australia’s second highest wicket taker in Test cricket. Only Shane Warne, who finished his career with 708 wickets, is ahead of him in this list.
McGrath, who was in the commentary box at the time, gave a humorous response. Television cameras showed him pretending to lose his temper, holding his head and lifting his chair as if he would throw it. McGrath’s playful response drew laughs from fellow commentators and quickly spread across social media.
Here’s video of McGrath’s playful reaction:
Glenn McGrath’s reaction to surpassing Nathan Lyon on the all-time Test wickets list was absolutely hilarious. #ash pic.twitter.com/1jTM06M8me
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 18 December 2025
Most wickets for Australia in Test cricket:
| Name | Matchbox | Wicket | average | B.B.I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| shane warne | 145 | 708 | 25.41 | 8/71 |
| nathan lyon | 141* | 564 | 30.14 | 8/50 |
| glen mcgrath | 124 | 563 | 21.64 | 8/24 |
| Mitchell Starc | 103* | 420 | 26.59 | 7/58 |
| dennis lilly | 70 | 355 | 23.92 | 7/83 |
| Michelle Johnson | 73 | 313 | 28.40 | 8/61 |
| pat cummins | 72* | 312 | 22.06 | 6/23 |
When Nathan Lyon got his chance it took no time at all – Adam Gilchrist
Great Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist highlighted the significance of Lyon’s moment. He further added that although it took several years to reach the milestone, Lyon wasted no time once he got the opportunity.
“Two in a row, excellent entry for Lyon,” Gilchrist said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage. “Duckett goes, he looks a bit confused, looks a bit upset but Australia celebrates. Nathan Lyon is now Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker.
He added, “What a list of names there is. We were made to wait longer than we thought for him to get past McGrath, but when he got the chance it took no time at all.”
Australia added some valuable runs after being bowled out for 371, leading to 326 for eight. Jofra Archer was one of the bowlers taking five wickets for England. Mitchell Starc scored a half-century, but Archer bowled him out and ended the innings.
After this, England ended the day in deep trouble at 213 runs for eight wickets. With wickets in decline and still recovering from the loss, they will face a tough challenge if they are to survive the Ashes series.
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