A historic moment at Adelaide Oval was punctuated with a touch of classic Australian humor Third Ashes Test of 2025-26 seriesAs nathan lyon officially gone past glen mcgrath On his way to becoming Australia’s second most successful Test bowler of all-time, the legendary fast bowler provided the highlight of the morning from the commentary box. After Lyon was clean bowled ben duckett The cameras immediately turned to McGrath, who produced exquisite physical comedy, to take his 564th Test wicket.
Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon leaves behind Glenn McGrath’s legacy on day two of Adelaide Test
Lyon’s rise to sixth place in the list of all-time Test wicket-takers is testament to the longevity and skill of the bowler who was once considered a “stop-gap” option for Australia. Lyon did not have to wait long to get his name in the record books, entering the Adelaide Test with Glenn McGrath tied with 562 wickets. He equalized by getting out first Ollie PopeJoe fell victim to a sharp low catch from Josh Inglis at mid-wicket, before he demolished Duckett’s off-stump with a classic off-spinner for his record-breaking 564th scalp. This dismissal dropped him to only second place among Australians shane warneWho is ahead of him on 708 wickets.
Viewed through the lens of history, this achievement is astonishing; Lyon is now the highest active wicket taker in world cricket and the fourth most played spinner, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne (708), and Anil Kumble (619). Only England’s Saints pair is included among the fast bowlers. james anderson (704) and stuart broad (604) now stands between Lyon and the top five. His ability to consistently achieve turn and bounce on all surfaces has turned him into the heartbeat of the Australian bowling attack, and as he passed McGrath’s legendary score of 563, he proved that he belongs in the same group of greats who defined the “Golden Era” of the Baggy Green.
Ashes 2025-26: McGrath’s precious moment goes viral
While the record belonged to Lyon, it was McGrath’s comedic talent that took social media by storm and provided the defining image of the opening session of the third Test. As Duckett’s bails flew and the broadcast cameras moved toward Channel 7’s commentary box, McGrath prepared for a dramatic display of “frustration.” With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he stood up and grabbed his chair, pretending to lift it over his head as if to throw it on the floor in a fit of jealousy. The live feed brought laughter from his fellow commentators, including Ricky Ponting and Ian Smith, as McGrath immediately broke character with a proud, glowing smile for his successor.
This “chair-slamming” video soon became a sensation, with fans praising McGrath for his lack of ego and willingness to celebrate the next generation with such infectious humor. That moment served as a poignant bridge between eras; Metronome McGrath of the 2000s passes the torch to Lyon, the marathon man of the modern era.
Here is the video:
Also read: In Pictures: Meet Cameron Green’s Girlfriend Emily Redwood