Top 3 performances of Nathan Lyon in Tests

Australia has produced generations of world-class fast bowlers, yet amidst the dominance of pace, Nathan Lyon emerged as a rare, enduring specialist spinner from a country where conditions traditionally favour seamers. Surviving over a decade in such an environment is remarkable and thriving is extraordinary. With 562 wickets in 139 Tests, Lyon has established himself as one of Australia’s greatest ever bowlers. Here, let us take a look at three of his finest Test performances.

12/286 vs India, Adelaide 2014

One of Lyon’s most iconic outings came in the opening Test of the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. Australia piled up 517 in the first innings, with David Warner (145), Michael Clarke (128), and Steven Smith (162) dominating the Indian attack. India responded strongly with 444, led by Virat Kohli’s superb 115, but Lyon was the decisive factor, grabbing 5/134 from 36 overs and breaking crucial partnerships.

Australia set India a challenging 364-run target after scoring 290 in the second innings, thanks to Warner’s second century of the match. India fought valiantly through Murali Vijay (99) and Kohli (141), but Lyon’s relentless accuracy and drift dismantled the chase. His 7/152 in the fourth innings sealed a 48-run victory for Australia. Lyon’s match haul of 12 wickets earned him the Player of the Match, marking one of the most memorable spells of his career.

10/108 vs New Zealand, Wellington 2024

In the 2024 Wellington Test, Lyon once again proved why he is invaluable in any condition. Australia posted 383 in the first innings, largely due to Cameron Green’s outstanding unbeaten 174. New Zealand faltered in response, managing only 179, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 71. Lyon’s disciplined bowling fetched 4/43.

Australia set a formidable target of 369 after being bowled out for 164 in the second innings. Lyon then delivered a match-winning spell, taking 6/65 to bowl New Zealand out for 196, completing a brilliant 10-wicket match haul and securing victory.

13/154 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram 2017

On spin-friendly surfaces in Chattogram, Lyon showcased his mastery. Bangladesh made 305 in the first innings with fifties from Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman, but Lyon ripped through the lineup for 7/94. Australia replied with 377, courtesy of David Warner (123) and Peter Handscomb (82).

In the second innings, Lyon was unplayable again, taking 6/60 to finish with a staggering 13-wicket haul. His brilliance secured the Test and earned him Player of the Series with 22 wickets in just two matches.