Nathan Lyon has announced that the end is no longer in sight as he aims to mark the two most important milestones of his probationary career with a series victory over India.
Lyon will need four wikis in Brisbane to take up 400 Test scalps, and the Gabba series decision will be his 100th Test.
Shane Warne, who believes Lyon could surpass his own mark of 708 victims and become Australia’s top wicket catcher, and Glenn McGrath is the only Australian to eliminate more bats.
Whatever happens from now on, it was an amazing journey.
Lyon famously worked as a goalkeeper in Adelaide when he competed in the Twenty20 domestic tournament in early 2011.
The call from South Australia coach Darren Berry was followed by a test debate later that year in Sri Lanka.
The offspinner ‘s lack of confidence was notorious among teammates in the early stages of his career, especially when he returned from being relegated at the start of the 2013 ashes.
But the 33-year-old now knows he stands in the team – and of course world cricket.
“I look at the other 12 lads who have played over 100 cricket test matches for Australia and they are true legends,” Lyon said.
“Not just for Australia but (other 100-Test players from) all over the world, I’m going to crush myself every day to see my name against those friends.
‘It’s pretty amazing. I have tried before not to look too far ahead.
“But I’m excited about this … just thinking about playing 100 test matches for Australia is very humbling.”
Lyon named his game-winning attraction at Adelaide Oval, where he spun Australia to victory in their first game after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, as a career high.
The tweaker added the 2019 ashes as both high-profile and high-profile – his game-changing version at Headingley was followed by an impressive victory that helped Australia make the urn in England for the first time since 2001.
The veteran is confident that there is enough fodder for the sighting reel to come, starting with the Test which begins on Friday.
“I’m far from done,” Lyon said.
“I’m still smarter than ever. I want to get out there and play as much cricket for Australia as I can … win a lot of test series for Australia.
“I’ve definitely learned so much, grown in confidence to a great extent.”
The SCG pitch failed to break as the guests had hoped, especially around the stump of the good guys, but the most experienced Australian player realized he needed to be flexible in those situations and find a way to shut out the game.
“I was still able to get some spinning out of it,” Lyon said.
“They played very well.
“We have put a couple of new plans in place since that last Test.
“I’m still learning … I will continue to learn, 100 test games and beyond.”