Glenn McGrath's epic reaction as Nathan Lyon reflects on 'humbling' wicket-taking achievement

ADELAIDE: Nathan Lyon says the honour of surpassing Glenn McGrath for wickets taken is "extremely special".

Lyon eclipsed McGrath on day two at the Adelaide Oval, with a perfect off spinner bowling Ben Duckett.

The wicket was Lyon's 564th, making him Australia's second-most prolific wicket-taker, now only behind Shane Warne.

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McGrath had kept the feat for 18 years after retiring in 2007 having played 124 matches. Lyon is in his 141st Test.

After Duckett was bowled, cameras panned to McGrath who humorously picked up a chair and pretended to throw it while on commentary for the BBC. Simon Katich was in the box next to him, laughing.

Lyon's wicket was brilliant, pitching on middle stump and kissing the top of off stump.

"Duckett looks a bit perplexed," Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.

The off-spinner had dismissed Ollie Pope three balls beforehand to put himself equal with McGrath.

Post-match, Lyon was humbled by the sense of achievement.

"To be honest I haven't really thought about it just as yet, but I grew up idolising Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath," he said.

"These guys in my childhood were my heroes and to be able to take over Glenn is pretty humbling and something I'll look back at the end of my career or even tonight and sit back and have a moment because it is an extremely special moment for myself but I haven't been able to do that without the guys at the other end and my teammates."

It marks an incredible comeback for Lyon after he was dropped for the Brisbane Test due to Australia's preference for an all-pace attack with the pink ball.

Lyon said at the time he was "filthy" with the decision.

By lunch, Lyon had 2-14 off three overs.