Lyon’s Record 10-Wicket Haul Spins Australia to a Significant Victory
Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon delivered an exceptional performance with a 10-wicket match haul, recording figures of 4/43 and 6/65 in the two innings respectively.
Lyon made history as the tenth spinner to achieve a ten-wicket match haul in men’s Tests in New Zealand, and the first Australian spinner to do so. He is also the first bowler to secure a 10-for in Tests in New Zealand since 2006.
Lyon surpassed Courtney Walsh to secure the No.7 spot in the all-time Test wicket-takers list. #WTC25 | #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/ngmioPA9z7
In the first innings, Lyon (521) surpassed West Indies’ Courtney Walsh (519) in the all-time men’s Test wicket takers’ list. By the end of the Test, he had added six more to his tally, taking it to 527.
This victory has strengthened Australia’s third position in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings. They are now just behind New Zealand, who slipped to No.2 following their loss in Wellington.
The two-time ICC World Test Championship finalists have climbed to the top of the standings. #WTC25 | Details https://t.co/Zf63frP96w
New Zealand, who started the day on 111/3, had made a comeback the previous day thanks to Glenn Phillips’ maiden Test five-wicket haul that bowled Australia out for 164. However, chasing a hefty target of 369 proved to be a daunting task for the Blackcaps.
Lyon capitalized on the conditions that were conducive to both turn and bounce. In the seventh over of day four, he triggered a New Zealand collapse with twin strikes.
ICC World Test Championship Standings
Lyon first dismissed the set batter Rachin Ravindra at point for 59 and two balls later, he sent Tom Blundell back to the pavilion for a duck.
This added pressure on the hosts, who slipped from 126/3 to 126/5 in just one over. In Lyon’s next over, the tally became 128/6 as he trapped Phillips LBW for 1. This was Lyon’s fifth wicket of the innings.
Scott Kuggeleijn and Daryl Mitchell tried to resist with some boundaries, but their defence was eventually broken by Cameron Green. The extra bounce worked in favour of the Australian pacer, ending Kuggeleijn’s cameo of 28-ball 26.
Matt Henry played some masterful strokes including a six off Lyon before getting caught at second slip off Josh Hazlewood.
Lyon completed his 10-wicket match haul with the wicket of Tim Southee, his sixth of the innings. Hazlewood wrapped up New Zealand with the final wicket of Mitchell, who made a fighting 130-ball 38.
The two sides will meet for the final Test in Christchurch, beginning 8 March.