Australia's Nathan Lyon gestures as he leaves the field at the end of play on the fourth day of the first cricket test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, Australia. (AP | PTI)Australia captain Pat Cummins believes off-spinner Nathan Lyon is capable of taking 700 Test wickets, and can play for four or five years after veteran spinner reaching the 500 wicket mark in the first Test against Pakistan at Perth.
“I still think you’ve got, say 40, 50 Test matches (left),” Cummins said to Lyon at a joint post-match press conference.
“That’s four or five years, 10 (Tests) a year. You probably average what? Four a game? That’s another couple hundred; 700.”
If Lyon went on to play 50 more Tests, he would be well on track to exceed 700 Test wickets and challenge Warne’s record.
FIVE HUNDRED! #AUSvPAK #PlayOfTheDay @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/DyDC5hUdTJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2023
When asked whether he had seen the list at the seven bowlers ahead of him on the all-time Test list.
“I failed maths at school. I’m not good at numbers. We figured that out when Pat and I were batting at Edgbaston that time. I’ve got no idea,” says Lyon.
Cummins immediately quipped: “He knows exactly which person he ticks off every time. Exactly.”
The Australian captain praised the efforts of Lyon, stating he was a critical cog in the bowling attack.
“I don’t think it is a secret that he is probably the most important cog in our bowling line-up,” Cummins said.
“This game is probably a little bit different, but most games he is bowling 30 overs a game and basically just putting down one end. He’s not going to go for many runs. He’s going to take a few wickets and then us quick bowlers can just rotate through the other end.
“No doubt he was missed over there in England, for sure. Even as a captain, it makes it a lot easier knowing that a bloke who has played 100-odd Test matches, who knows his craft and can bowl pretty much in any conditions, you can just let him get to work.
“It is great having him back. Yep. Another 500 (wickets) to go.”
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