Ashes 2025-26 [WATCH]: Glenn McGrath’s reaction breaks the internet as Nathan Lyon surpasses him on Australia’s all-time wicket-taker list | Adelaide Test, Day 2

A historic moment at the Adelaide Oval was punctuated by a touch of classic Australian humor during the third Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series. As Nathan Lyon officially moved past Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-most successful Test bowler of all time, the legendary paceman provided the highlight of the morning from the commentary box. After Lyon clean-bowled Ben Duckett to claim his 564th Test wicket, cameras immediately panned to McGrath, who delivered a piece of perfect physical comedy.

Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon surpasses the legacy of Glenn McGrath on Day 2 of Adelaide Test

Lyon’s ascent to sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list is a testament to the longevity and skill of a bowler once considered a “stop-gap” option for Australia. Entering the Adelaide Test tied with Glenn McGrath on 562 wickets, Lyon didn’t have to wait long to etch his name into the record books. He first drew level by dismissing Ollie Pope, who fell to a sharp low catch by Josh Inglis at mid-wicket, before producing a classic off-spinner’s delivery to dismantle Duckett’s off-stump for the record-breaking 564th scalp. This dismissal moved him into outright second place among Australians, leaving only the Shane Warne, who sits at 708 wickets, ahead of him.

The achievement is staggering when viewed through the lens of history; Lyon is now the highest active wicket-taker in world cricket and the fourth-highest spinner to ever play the game, trailing only Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Warne (708), and Anil Kumble (619). Among fast bowlers, only the retired English duo of James Anderson (704) and Stuart Broad (604) now stand between Lyon and the top five. His ability to consistently extract turn and bounce on all surfaces has transformed him into the heartbeat of the Australian bowling attack, and as he surpassed McGrath’s legendary tally of 563, he proved that he belongs in the same pantheon of greats who defined the “Golden Era” of the Baggy Green.

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Ashes 2025-26: McGrath’s priceless moment goes viral 

While the record belonged to Lyon, it was McGrath’s comedic brilliance that set social media ablaze and provided the defining image of the third Test’s opening sessions. As the broadcast cameras panned to the Channel 7 commentary box the moment Duckett’s bails flew, McGrath was ready with a theatrical display of “frustration.” With a mischievous glint in his eye, he stood up and gripped his chair, pretending to hoist it above his head as if to smash it onto the floor in a fit of jealousy. The live feed captured his fellow commentators, including Ricky Ponting and Ian Smith, erupting in laughter as McGrath quickly broke character with a proud, beaming smile for his successor.

This “chair-slamming” video quickly became a sensation, with fans praising McGrath for his lack of ego and his willingness to celebrate the next generation with such infectious humor. The moment served as a poignant bridge between eras; McGrath, the metronome of the 2000s, passing the torch to Lyon, the marathon man of the modern age.

Here’s the video:

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