Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon scripted history on the second day of the third Ashes Test by surpassing legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath to become Australia's second-highest Test wicket-taker. Lyon achieved the milestone with two quick wickets in his opening over, dismissing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett to take his career tally to 564. The dismissals levelled him with McGrath's 563 before immediately overtaking the mark, placing him sixth on the all-time global list. Only Shane Warne, with 708 wickets, now stands above Lyon among Australian bowlers. The veteran spinner, recalled after being omitted for the previous Test, delivered an immediate impact as England slumped from a comfortable position to face mounting pressure. Broadcast cameras captured the moment perfectly, highlighting the camaraderie between two generations of Australian greats.

Lyon's breakthrough came after England had cruised to 37 without loss in reply to Australia's first-innings total of 371. Returning skipper Pat Cummins initiated the collapse by removing Zak Crawley for 9. Lyon, introduced in the 10th over, struck with his third delivery when Pope edged a turning ball to midwicket for 3. Three balls later, he clean-bowled Duckett for 29 with a drifting delivery that beat the bat and clipped off-stump. The double strike left England reeling at 42 for 3. As celebrations erupted on the field, attention turned to the commentary box where McGrath was stationed. The pace icon reacted with mock fury, playfully lifting and pretending to slam a chair before breaking into laughter.

McGrath's humorous gesture quickly went viral on social media, delighting fans with its light-hearted acknowledgement of being surpassed. The former fast bowler, renowned for his precision and intensity during a career spanning 124 Tests, has often praised Lyon's consistency and longevity. Lyon's achievement underscores his remarkable durability at age 38, having overcome selections and injuries to cement his legacy. He now trails only Warne in Australian annals, while globally sitting behind Muttiah Muralidaran, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, and Stuart Broad. The milestone added extra significance at Adelaide Oval, where Lyon holds the record for most wickets by any bowler.

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The day's play began with Australia adding 45 runs to their overnight score before Jofra Archer completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Mitchell Starc for 54 and Lyon for 9. Archer's 5-53 marked his fourth Test five-for and third in Ashes contests. England's response started steadily but unravelled swiftly under Cummins and Lyon's pressure. Hot conditions, with temperatures forecast near 40°C, promised to test both teams further. Joe Root survived a close caught-behind appeal early in his innings, remaining unbeaten on 11 at lunch alongside Harry Brook on 6, with England at 59 for 3.

This must-win match for England keeps their faint Ashes hopes alive, trailing 0-2 in the series. Australia's dominance continued through disciplined bowling, exploiting any complacency in the visitors' approach. Lyon's spell exemplified his value, turning the game decisively in a low-scoring phase.

McGrath's playful reaction embodied the mutual respect among Australian bowling legends, blending competition with sportsmanship. As Lyon eyes further records, including potentially closing in on broader milestones, his contributions remain pivotal to Australia's campaign. The viral moment provided a feel-good interlude amid intense rivalry. Fans celebrated the passing of the torch, with social media buzzing over the commentary box antics. Adelaide's day two thus belonged to spin, history, and hearty laughter in equal measure. The series resumes with England needing resilience to extend proceedings meaningfully.

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