(Cricket News) Nathan Lyon is poised on the brink of cricketing history, inching closer to a club that boasts only three illustrious members—Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Anil Kumble—spinners who have claimed 500 or more wickets in Test cricket. With Australia gearing up for a three-match Test series against Pakistan, the seasoned off-spinner finds himself just four wickets away from achieving this momentous milestone.

In a recent interview with cricket.com.au, the 36-year-old Lyon, reflecting on his remarkable career in Australian whites, shared insights into his biggest inspiration. Surprisingly, Lyon’s admiration extended to India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, whom he hailed as a “world-class bowler” and someone he has closely observed since the early days of his career. Lyon emphasized the mutual respect forged through their numerous head-to-head encounters in various conditions around the world, expressing his profound admiration for Ashwin’s approach to the game and acknowledging the valuable lessons he has gleaned from the Indian spinner.

Both Lyon and Ashwin embarked on their Test journeys in the same year, with Stuart Broad being the only bowler to surpass them in wickets since then. Ashwin, too, is on the verge of the 500-wicket milestone, boasting an impressive record of 489 wickets from 94 matches. Lyon recognized the unique learning opportunities that emerge when facing formidable opponents, acknowledging Ashwin as one of his inadvertent mentors. Lyon mused on the prospect of both players reaching the coveted 500-wicket mark and envisioned a future where they could sit down, share a meal, enjoy a beer, and reminisce about their cricketing journeys.

Having been on the sidelines since the Ashes due to a calf injury, Lyon is anticipated to make a much-awaited return to the field during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. This comeback presents an exciting prospect for cricket enthusiasts eager to witness the spin maestro in action as he continues to etch his name in the annals of cricketing greatness.

Also Read: Shoaib Bashir mistakenly ignored McCullum’s England selection call for India tour