Lyon in rare company with 250 Test scalps

Offspinner Nathan Lyon has become just the eighth Australian to notch 250 Test wickets.

Australia's Nathan Lyon

Only Shane Warne has taken more spin Test wickets for Australia than Nathan Lyon. (AAP)

Nathan Lyon has joined an exclusive group, becoming just the eighth Australian to notch 250 Test wickets.

Already Australia's best ever offspinner, Lyon added two more accomplishments after taking three wickets during day one of the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

On his way to joining the 250-club, Lyon overtook Richie Benaud's career tally of 248 Test wickets to become the second-best spinner in Australian Test history behind Shane Warne.

While it's unlikely he'll ever come close to Warne's 708 Test dismissals, overtaking Benaud is still a huge feat for a player whose spot in the side has rarely seemed assured.

After struggling during a 3-0 series loss in Sri Lanka, Lyon was on the cusp of being dropped in the recent summer.

But changes to his technique which netted him 19 wickets during this year's tour of India paid off, with Australian coach Darren Lehmann backing him as the squad's "premier spinner".

A humble Lyon said it was a special achievement to surpass Benaud, a beloved figure in Australian cricket.

"I've always said that I'm not about personal success but I woke up to a message from my mum and dad," Lyon said.

"They said 'go out and do us proud'.

"You get those type of messages, and you reflect on your career and where you stand in the game -- it's pretty special.

"Richie Benaud was an unbelievable legend of Australian cricket and cricket in general.

"To overtake him in the wickets column is something pretty special and I hold it pretty close to my heart.

"No doubt when I get back home after this series, I'll sit down with my family and have a drink and celebrate that personal goal but let's just see how this Test match goes first."

AUSTRALIAN BOWLERS WITH 250+ TEST WICKETS

* Shane Warne, 708

* Glenn McGrath, 563

* Dennis Lillee, 355

* Mitchell Johnson, 313

* Brett Lee, 310

* Craig McDermott, 291

* Jason Gillespie, 259

* Nathan Lyon, 250*


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Source: AAP



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