Nathan Lyon becomes the most-successful visiting Test bowler in India
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has become the most successful visiting bowler in Tests in India. He accomplished the milestone during Day 4 of the ongoing fourth and final Test. KS Bharat (44) became Lyon's 55th Test victim on Indian soil. The Aussie went past former England left-arm spinner Derek Underwood, who claimed 54 Test wickets in India. Here are further details.
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Lyon bowled a total of 65 overs in the innings and recorded 3/151. This is the most he has bowled in a Test inning. Last year, he delivered 24 overs against Sri Lanka in an innings of the Galle Test. He claimed figures worth 2/194.
Most Test wickets in India
While Underwood claimed 54 wickets in 16 Tests in India, Lyon now owns 56 wickets in India in 11 Tests. The latter, who averages 27.35 in the sub-continent nation, boasts 5 fifers and one 10-wicket haul here. Former Aussie leg-spinner Richie Benaud is the only other visiting bowler with as many Test fifers in India.
Most successful spinner versus India
Lyon has now raced to 116 wickets in 26 Tests versus India at 32.4 (5W: 9, 10W: 2). No other bowler boasts more Test fifers versus India. While no other spinner owns more Test wickets against India, only England pacer James Anderson (139) is ahead of him in the overall list. Lyon is also the leading wicket-taker in India versus Australia Tests.
Career stats of Lyon
Lyon has now raced to 482 wickets in 119 Tests at a 31-plus average (31.23). The tally includes 23 fifers (10W: 4). In terms of Test wickets, Lyon is behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), Anderson (685), Anil Kumble (619), Stuart Broad (576), Glenn McGrath (563), and Courtney Walsh (519). He tallies 21 wickets at 22-plus in the ongoing series.
How has the Ahmedabad Test proceeded?
Australia posted 480 after winnings the toss and electing to bat in Ahmedabad. Usman Khawaja (180) and Cameron Green (114) made key contributions. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed six wickets. India made a strong response with Virat Kohli (186) and Shubman Gill (128) smoking tons. India hence finished at 571, earning a 91-run first-innings lead. The game is heading toward a draw.