Lyon roars to second on Aussie Test wicket-takers list

A fortnight after being "filthy" at being snubbed, Nathan Lyon has become Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Lyon snared two wickets in four balls in his first over of the third Test at Adelaide Oval, a venue where he was once a groundsman.

Thursday's fresh victims moved Lyon's career tally to 564 Test wickets, one more than paceman Glenn McGrath.

Only legspinner Shane Warne (708) has claimed more Test scalps for Australia.

"It's pretty humbling, to be honest with you," Lyon told reporters.

"It's something that I'll look back at the end of my career, or even tonight, and sit back and try and have a moment, because it is an extremely special moment for myself."

Lyon's double delight on Thursday came after he was overlooked for selection for the second Test in Brisbane.

The 38-year-old admitted being "filthy'' at the decision, which Australian hierarchy put down to the pink-ball, day-night nature of the Gabba match.

That decision was justified when Lyon's replacement, paceman Michael Neser, captured five wickets in the second innings of Australia's eight-wicket triumph.

Lyon bowled only two overs in the series-opener in Perthm which finished inside two days with an Australian eight-wicket victory.

On Thursday, Lyon was tossed the ball for the 10th over of England's innings.

In a city where hardcore band Where's The Pope? have dominated the local rock scene for decades, England's fans were likely asking the same question.

Ollie Pope was Lyon's first victim, caught at midwicket by a diving Josh Inglis from a half-hearted drive.

Pope now averages a paltry 15.90 in six Tests in Australia, where he's yet to score a half-century.

Lyon struck again just three balls later when he bowled Ben Duckett, the left-handed opener beaten in flight by a ball that spun into his off-stump.

"A pretty good ball," said a modest Lyon, who finished Thursday's play with 2-51 from 22 overs.

AUSTRALIA'S TOP TEST WICKET-TAKERS

* Shane Warne: 708 at average of 25.41

* Nathan Lyon: 564 at 30.14

* Glenn McGrath: 563 at 21.64

* Mitchell Starc: 420 at 26.59

* Dennis Lillee: 355 at 23.92