A historic moment at the Adelaide Oval was punctuated by classic Australian humour. The third Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series. as Nathan Lyon is officially over Glenn McGrath On his way to becoming Australia’s second most successful Test bowler of all time, the legendary paceman delivered the highlight of the morning from the commentary box. Clean bowl after Lyon Ben Duckett The cameras immediately panned to McGrath, who delivered perfect physical comedy to take his 564th Test wicket.
Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon surpasses Glenn McGrath’s legacy on Day 2 of Adelaide Test
Lyon’s rise to sixth on the all-time Test wicket-taking list is a testament to the longevity and ability of bowlers who were once regarded as the ‘stop-gap’ option for Australia. Lyon, who entered the Adelaide Test with Glenn McGrath on 562 wickets, did not have to wait long to etch his name into the record books. He equalized by dropping first Ollie Popefell to a sharp low catch by Josh Inglis at mid-wicket before producing a classic off-spinner delivery to dismantle Duckett’s off-stump for his record-breaking 564th scalp. That dismissal moved him to second among Australians, leaving him alone Shane Warne708 sitting at the door is ahead of him.
The achievement is amazing when viewed through the lens of history; Lyon is now the highest active wicket-keeper in world cricket and is the fourth highest spinner in the game, behind only him. Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619). Only retired English duo among fast bowlers James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604) is now between Lyon and the top five. His ability to consistently spin and bounce on all surfaces made him the heartbeat of the Australian bowling attack, and as he surpassed McGrath’s legendary tally of 563, he proved he belongs in the same pantheon of greats that defined the Baggy Green’s ‘Golden Age’.
Ashes 2025-26: McGrath’s priceless moment goes viral
Although the record belongs to Lyon, it was McGrath’s comedic brilliance that ignited social media and provided the defining image of the opening sessions of the third Test. As the broadcast cameras panned to the Channel 7 commentary box as Duckett’s bails flew, McGrath was on hand with a theatrical display of “frustration”. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he stood up and grabbed his chair and lifted it over his head as if he was about to smash it to the floor out of jealousy. The live broadcast captured fellow commentators including Ricky Ponting and Ian Smith, with McGrath laughing as he quickly broke character with a proud, beaming smile for his successor.
The “chair kicking” video quickly became a sensation, with fans praising McGrath for his lack of ego and his willingness to celebrate the next generation with such infectious humor. This moment served as a bridge between eras; McGrath, the metronome of the 2000s, has passed the torch to Lyon, the modern-day marathon man.
We present the video:
Also READ: In pictures: Meet Cameron Green’s girlfriend Emily Redwood
