Australian spinner Nathan Lyon on Friday achieved a new milestone when he surpassed the legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev to jump inside the list of top 10 wicket-takers list in test cricket of all time.
The star Aussie spinner reached this landmark during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in Galle.
Lyon was just best in the test as he took 5 wickets in the first innings that helped visitors bowled out the hosts for just 212. And in the second innings he dismissed 4 Sri Lankan batters and restricted them to just 113.
With a total of 9 wickets taken in the first test, Lyon now has 436 wickets and he has surpassed the iconic Indian cricketer’s Kapil Dev tally of 436 in test cricket.
The veteran bolwer’s super spell with the ball provided a strong advantage in the match. And they won the game by 10 wickets.
AUS Vs SL, 1st test Highlights
In the first innings, wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella scored 58, ex-skipper Angelo Mathews hit 39 and captain Dimuth Karunaratne played a knock of 28 to help their side cross 200 mark.
Nathan Lyon was the star of Australia with the ball as he took 5 wickets. Mitchell Swepson bagged three. While Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc took a wicket each.
Australia got the upper hand by scoring 321 runs in their first inning. And with this, they took a 109 runs lead over the hosts.
Usman Khawaja (71), and Cameron Green (77), both scored crucial half-centuries for Australia. Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper, also hit a strong 45. While the remaining Australian batters were unable to significantly help their team.
Ramesh Mendis took most number of wickets for Sri Lanka (4). While Asitha Fernando and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay took 2-2 each.
Aus Vs SL, 1st Test, 2nd innings Highlights
In the second innings, with a 109 runs lead in their pocket, Aussie bowlers put on a dominating performance, skittling out Lankans for 113. Except for captain Karunaratne, no batter could touch the 20-run mark.
This innings belonged completely to the Aussie spinners. Lyon took 4/31, while Travis Head surprised Lankans with his bowling, taking 4/10. Swepson got 2 wickets for 34 runs.
Australia was set merely 5 runs as their target, as Sri Lanka could end up with a lead of only four runs. Aussies chased this down without breaking a sweat.
With a 109-run advantage on their side going into the second innings, the Australian bowlers put on a dominant display, dismissing the Lankans for 113.
The Australian spinners owned this entire inning. Travis Head stunned the Lankans with his bowling, taking 4/10, while Lyon recorded 4/31.
Sri Lanka could finish up with a lead of only four runs, hence Australia was given a target of just five runs. Australians tracked this down without losing any wicket to take 1-0 lead in the series.
