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Nathan Lyon joins Australian legends with incredible Test feat

australian associated press

Nathan Lyon has become only the fourth Australian to take 350 Test wickets after spinning his side to an emphatic victory in the Ashes series opener at Edgbaston.

Lyon took 6-49 as England were bundled out for 146 on the final day in Birmingham as Australia capped off a famous victory at a ground where they last tasted success at in 2001.

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The 31-year-old's dismissal of Ben Stokes put him alongside Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee on the 350 list and he added two more to his tally with the scalps of Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad.

Ali, who looks set to be axed by England in favour of Jack Leach for the second Test at Lord's, has now fallen to Lyon nine times in 11 innings.

Nathan Lyon (R) joins Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in the 350-wicket club. Image: Getty
Nathan Lyon (R) joins Dennis Lillee, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. Image: Getty

Australia skipper Tim Paine said he expects the off-spinner to continue to weave a spell over the home side all series and add several more wickets to his name.

"He could get plenty," Paine said.

"It's as long as he wants to go on for I reckon. He doesn't seem to have too many niggles or injuries over his career.

"The ball is coming out as well as ever.

"He's a bit the same as (Steve) Smithy, I feel like every Test match or series they seem to get better which is astonishing at their age.

"But I think if you come and watch both of them train you see why they keep improving and keep getting better and are a great example for the rest of our group."

Nathan Lyon celebrates victory in the first Test with a kiss from partner Emma McCarthy. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Nathan Lyon celebrates victory with a kiss from partner Emma McCarthy. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Lyon’s mastery of England

Lyon caused havoc for the English batsmen on a wearing pitch but his skipper said he felt the home players had issues with him throughout the whole match.

"No doubt the pitch had worn but I thought he was threatening in the first innings as well," he said.

"Nathan has played on all different surfaces now and knows exactly what he is doing in all different situations.

"I think he bowled a bit quicker, which he tends to do over here because he doesn't get the bounce he gets in Australia or the turn as consistently.

"He controlled it beautifully and he is going to be a real threat. He can take day-five wickets and when you have a spinner like that it can change a game very quickly."