Cricket ACT congratulates former Western Districts Cricket Club and ACT player, and the most well-known of all former Manuka Oval ground staff, Nathan Lyon, on taking his 500th Test wicket in Perth on Sunday afternoon.
Lyon moved to Canberra from Young in the mid-2000s and linked up with Western Districts while also beginning his apprenticeship at Manuka Oval.
He played 14 games at Under-17 and Under-19 level for the ACT, and another 20 for the ACT Comets in National 2nd XI competitions, including starring in the then Futures League Twenty20 in 2010, leading to his selection by South Australian coach Darren Berry in the Redbacks squad for the 2010/2011 state-based Twenty20 Big Bash tournament.
Lyon finished with the most wickets in that tournament and ended the 2010/2011 season in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield and One Day sides, as well as being picked to tour Zimbabwe with an Australia A squad.
Completing this meteoric rise, Lyon was picked for the Australian Test Tour of Sri Lanka in July 2011, beginning his incredible career with the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara with his very first ball on Test Debut at Galle.
Twelve years and 123 Test Matches later, Lyon took his 500th and 501st wickets in Australia’s 360-run win over Pakistan in the First Test at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Lyon always seemed destined for big things when he first arrived in Canberra.
“Watching Nathan's career has been an immense source of pride for the entire Western Districts family, and we are proud to have been a small part of his journey to greatness,” WDCC Life Member Mathew McGann said.
“From about 40 people back at Jamison watching his debut Test and first ball wicket of Sangakkarra, to various members of the club following him around Australia, to South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and numerous Ashes tours to the United Kingdom, Wests have been a constant support to Nathan for his entire career.
“He remains friends with many Wests players, past and present and has been a source of inspiration and motivation for countless juniors through the club, following the path he carved for them and every other young aspiring kid around the country to represent Australia.”
Cricket ACT Head of Cricket Stuart Karppinen said Lyon’s career has been the constant reminder of the ACT’s ability to unearth future stars.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Nathan’s career to date, and to see someone who began their senior cricket career on wickets all across the ACT take 500 Test wickets is incredible.
“Nathan’s story will forever be linked to the ACT and Manuka Oval, and we’re so pleased to have played our small part in the development of one of Australia’s greatest players.”
Article by Brett McKay
Images (banner and below): Perth, 17 December 2023, Nathan Lyon celebrating dismissing Faheem Ashraf of Pakistan following a DRS review and taking his 500th test wicket during day four of the Men's First Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium.
Photos by: Paul Kane/Getty Images