'It is More Relief Than Anything': Nathan Lyon's Wife Admits Nervouseness Around Offspinners' Fitness After 500th Test Wicket

Nathan Lyon became the eighth bowler to scalp 500 wickets in Test cricket on Sunday.  He achieved this feat during the fourth day of the 1st Test against Pakistan at the Perth Stadium.

The offspinner sent Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf back to the dressing room in the second innings to reach the milestone during the Test series opener.

The 36-year-old became the third Aussie player to join the elite list of 500 club in Tests.

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Apart from Lyon, Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563) are the other two Aussies who are a part of this exclusive list of players.

Lyon’s wife Emma was ecstatic about her husband achieving the remarkable feat.

During a discussion with 7 Cricket, Emma revealed there was a certain sense of nervousness with respect to Lyon ahead of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan.

“I think there’s been a bit more nervousness around this game about the rehab, about the calf, about the body. Will it all hold up and will be able to perform the way he always has? So I think it’s just more relief more than anything. But I think he’ll celebrate now for sure,” Emma said.

“So I think it is more relief than anything. I think he will celebrate now, for sure,” she added.

Emma also talked about the baby they had welcomed earlier this year.

“We’ve had a baby, I don’t know, it’s been a lot, rehab, The Ashes, India – it’s been non-stop. To have him home for a couple of months was really lovely, but not on those terms. Just to see him out there today is just amazing,” she said.

Coming back to the match, Lyon had scalped three wickets in the first innings of the contest. He picked up the wickets of Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal to limit Pakistan to 271.

In the second innings, the offie ended up with impressive figures of 2/14 having complete eight overs.

Chasing a mammoth total of 450, Pakistan were bowled out for 89. Australia’s pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc claimed three wickets each to earn a resounding victory for the hosts.

Aussie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was adjudged player of the match. The second Test is scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.