Nathan Lyon completes 150 Test wickets in Asia: Stats
What's the story
Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon has completed 150 Test wickets in Asia.
The veteran off-spinner attained the milestone with his third wicket on Day 1 of the 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle on Thursday.
Notably, Lyon is the first non-Asian bowler to take 150 wickets in Tests in Asia.
Before this, Shane Warne held the record for most wickets by a non-Asian bowler in Asia with 127 scalps.
Here's more.
Career highlight
Lyon attains special milestone in Asia
Lyon got to his 150th Test wicket in Asia in his 30th match. He averages 30.18, as per ESPNcricinfo, from 55 innings. He owns 11 four-fers and a fifer in Asia.
This is better than Warne's record of 127 wickets in just 25 Tests at an average of 26.
Daniel Vettori (98 in 21 Tests) an d James Anderson (92 in 32 Tests) follow suit.
Match impact
Lyon's early strikes in Galle Test
Lyon made his presence felt early in the match, claiming a wicket as soon as the eighth over.
He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, setting the tone for Australia's bowling attack.
Despite a steady partnership between Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal, Lyon managed to break through again in the 33rd over by dismissing Karunaratne for 36 runs.
Player reaction
Lyon reflects on his achievement and match performance
After the day's play, Lyon was happy with his performance and the importance of his milestone.
He said, "Pretty happy with how things went. Will let that one (150 wickets in Asia in Tests) sink in overnight."
He also noted the difficulties he has had playing in the subcontinent, making this achievement all the more special for him.
Team performance
Lyon's contribution to Australia's bowling attack
Lyon's effort played a major role in making Australia's bowling attack lethal on Day 1 of the second Test.
He also sent senior batter Angelo Mathews back for just a run.
Despite Dinesh Chandimal's fighting knock of 74 runs, Sri Lanka could only manage 229/9 in 90 overs at stumps, thanks to Lyon's brilliant bowling and his teammates' support.
Information
Lyon is one shy of 550 Test scalps
Lyon is now just one wicket away from the 550-wicket mark in Test cricket. He is in line to become the 3rd Aussie bowler to attain this milestone. He finished the day with figures worth 3/78 from 30 overs.