If you ask who has bowled most overs in test cricket without ever stepping out of the popping crease: it’s Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon is G.O.A.T. for a reason. The New South Walesman has already registered his name in Australian cricket history over the weekend, reaching the coveted 500-wicket mark in Test cricket. But alongside this momentous feat, an equally remarkable, yet lesser-known record has left fans scratching their heads in disbelief.
Returning from a calf injury that sidelined him for months after Ashes 2023, Lyon’s 5-80 demolition job in the first Test against Pakistan propelled Australia to a resounding victory.
However, the 36-year-old off-spinner boasts another achievement that stretches back over a decade from year 2011 when Nathan Lyon made his test debut in international cricket for Australia. Honestly, his achievement defies cricketing logic – he has never, ever bowled a front-foot no-ball in Test cricket.
READ MORE: Nathan Lyon Creates History with 500 Test Wickets
Nathan Lyon’s bowling is all about discipline, accuracy, and patience with himself. You can hardly imagine him bowling a no-ball, and in fact, he has never bowled a single one. This is an absolutely phenomenal achievement, as it means he has never conceded an extra run through a front-foot no-ball.
In a career spanning 123 Tests and a staggering 31,614 deliveries, Lyon has maintained impeccable footwork, never overstepping the popping crease once in his career. He has played in all countries and all conditions, quite phenomenal achievement.
This is the first instance of a bowler exceeding 100 Tests without a single no-ball in Australian history, a feat made even more extraordinary by his 500-wicket haul – no other bowler has reached this landmark while remaining within the legal delivery margin.
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Cricket statistician Mazher Arshad brought this mind-boggling record to light, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world. Fans marveled at Lyon’s precision and control, a testament to his dedication and meticulous technique.
Nathan Lyon’s 500-wicket milestone is undoubtedly a historic achievement, but his seemingly impossible no-ball record adds another interesting aspect to his cricketing legacy. He has not only conquered the art of spin bowling but redefined bowling accuracy, and he has proved that there is success available for those who are willing and commanding in nature.
An intriguing aspect of Nathan Lyon’s bowling is his lack of excessive variation. He thrives on a single weapon, his precise off-spin. However, his ability to adapt according to the pitch, situation, and batsman makes him a fascinating watch. He’s not limited to home conditions, having performed exceptionally diversely throughout his career.
Bowling spin in unforgiving Australian conditions, where there’s minimal assistance for slower bowlers, requires exceptional skill. Nathan Lyon has developed remarkable control and accuracy to be a constant threat to batsmen.
This dedication and adaptability have paved the way for his incredible 500-wicket milestone. Moreover, his phenomenal discipline is evident in his record of never having bowled a single no-ball in over 100 Test matches.
