Australian spinner Nathan Lyon is on the brink of joining an exclusive group of players with 500 Test wickets, and he is determined to elevate his game even further.

With 487 scalps to his name, Lyon, a veteran of 120 Tests, is set to unleash his skills once again against England this week. England has been a significant source of Lyon’s success, accounting for 101 of his wickets.

The 35-year-old Lyon recently expressed his unwavering belief in a potential whitewash of their hosts and arch-rivals. Affectionately known as “Garry,” after former Australian Rules player Garry Lyon, he is hailed as one of the most prolific off-spinners in Test cricket history.

Lyon’s impactful performance of four wickets in India’s second innings played a crucial role in Australia’s victory in the World Test Championship final at The Oval. Now, he stands on the verge of joining legendary spin bowlers Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, and Muttiah Muralidaran in the exclusive 500-wicket club.

Among his English rivals, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have also achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 500 Test wickets. Lyon’s fellow Australians, Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh of the West Indies, complete the elite group.

As a classical spinner who skillfully flights the ball, Lyon may even surpass Walsh’s tally of 519 wickets during the upcoming five-Test Ashes series, which commences at Edgbaston on Friday.

While his young off-spinning counterpart, Todd Murphy, is also part of the Australian squad, Lyon remains determined to maintain his form and dismiss any suggestions that the 22-year-old Murphy could replace him.

“There’s no end in sight for me,” Lyon confidently stated. Notably, Lyon’s longevity can be attributed, in part, to his absence from international white-ball cricket since 2019.

“I still feel like I can get better,” Lyon emphasized. “I’m constantly learning about the art of off-break bowling, striving for greater consistency, and honing my stock ball while developing a few variations.”

The Ashes in England presents a unique challenge, with short boundaries that favor aggressive batting. However, Lyon sees this as an opportunity to claim more wickets rather than being deterred by the potential for boundaries.

“I’ve been hit for six… it must be getting close to 300 times now,” he remarked. “But it doesn’t worry me. I’m not scared by it. In my eyes, it provides a chance for more wickets.”

Australia seems to have found a long-term successor in Todd Murphy from their rich pool of top-class spin bowlers. Despite his limited experience, Murphy made an impactful Test debut against India in February, bagging a seven-wicket haul in the first innings while complementing Lyon’s bowling prowess.

Recognized as a clear number two spin option, Murphy’s potential was acknowledged by Australian coach Andrew McDonald. However, the challenging English conditions pose a different test for him compared to the subcontinent.

While it remains to be seen when Murphy will have the opportunity to add to his four Test caps, his future appears bright. Chief selector George Bailey has advised him to be patient, stating, “We think he has a really bright future.”