SL vs AUS: Nathan Lyon surpasses Sir Richard Hadlee in the list of top wicket-takers in Test Cricket

If Australia were to have a successful red-ball campaign against Sri Lanka, they needed their star spinner, Nathan Lyon, to step up. The veteran spinner stamped his authority on Day 1 of the first Test, terrifying the hosts with an absolute bowling masterclass. 

Nathan Lyon moved 12th on the list of all-time wicket-takers in Test cricket. The 34-year-old spinner now sits on 432 wickets in the game's longest format, surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee, who had 431 scalps to his name. The New South Wales-based spinner could break into the top 10 by the end of the series. Lyon is within touching distance of Rangana Herath, Kapil Dev, and Dale Steyn.

Not only did Nathan Lyon pick up a five-wicket haul on Day 1, but he managed to get rid of crucial Sri Lankan batters. He dismissed Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne just when it looked like he was about to get a move on. Angelo Matthews' innings ended prematurely after Nathan Lyon struck again. 

Perhaps, Lyon's most crucial wicket came in the form of Niroshan Dickwella, batting at a strike rate of close to 100. The experienced off-spinner was helped by youngster Mitchell Swepson, who also picked up three wickets.

Sri Lanka were reduced to a score of just 212 runs in their first innings. However, Australian batters have a chore on their hands, given Sri Lanka have so much depth in their spin bowling department. Ramesh Mendis has already struck twice, reducing the opposition to 98 runs for the loss of three wickets at the end of Day's play.