Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon on Day 3 of the Wellington Test against New Zealand achieved what no batter could in the history of Test cricket. Scoring 41 runs with a Bazball-like approach, Lyon completed 1,500 runs in Test cricket. He became the first batter to score 1,500 runs in the longest format of the game without scoring a half-century.
Lyon attacks
Sent as nightwatchman on Day 2, Lyon scored six runs from 14 balls. On Day 3, after a couple of overs, he decided not to block it out. He started by hitting New Zealand skipper Tim Southee for a boundary. He continued to attack Southee. In the 15th over, he hit Southee for three fours in a row.
In the next over, he took on Matt Henry as well and succeeded in hitting a boundary. But Henry had the last laugh. He played an on-drive but the bat turned in his hand. The inside edge went to short midwicket fielder Will Young who jumped to take an overhead catch. He scored 41 runs from 46 deliveries including six fours.
In the first innings, he was dismissed by Henry too. He edged one to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell after scoring five runs.
Lyon’s missed opportunities
Lyon has scored 1,501 runs from 128 Tests at an average of 12.72. He has crossed the 40-run mark thrice in his Test career but hasn't got to fifty. His career-best 47 came against South Africa in 2018 in Cape Town.
Here is the list of other cricketers who have scored the most runs without scoring a half-century in Test cricket –
2. Kemar Roach
West Indies' Kemar Roach has scored 1,174 runs from 81 Tests at an average of 11.50. His high score is 41.
3. Waqar Younis
Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis has scored 1,010 runs from 87 Tests at an average of 10.20. His high score is 45.
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4. Fred Trueman
Former England pacer Fred Trueman has scored 981 runs from 67 Tests at an average of 13.81. His high score was 39 not out.
5. Morne Morkel
Former South Africa speedster Morne Morkel has scored 944 runs from 86 Tests at an average of 11.65. His high score is 40.
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