Lyon proud to join 500 club as Australia thrash Pakistan

Nathan Lyon became just the eighth cricketer to reach 500 Test wickets as Australia eased past Pakistan in Perth.

The off-spinner dismissed Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Jamal on the Fourth Day to surpass the landmark, with the visitors bowled out for 89 in their second innings chase of 450.

Australia are now 1-0 up in the three-match Test series and Lyon will be eyeing more scalps when the two sides lock horns on Boxing Day.

He is just the third Aussie to join the 500 club alongside fellow greats Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

The 36-year-old said after the victory in Perth: "It's something I'm pretty proud about. For a young kid growing up in the country in New South Wales, 500 wickets is a long way away. 

"A lot of hard work but something I'm very, very proud of.

"I was pretty confident about the review, everyone said the height was okay, it was just whether or not it was sliding down leg. Thankfully, it was three reds.

"It doesn't matter where we are, 500 wickets is pretty amazing. To do it here and contribute to an impressive team win makes it a lot better."

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins added: "I didn't even know he was on 499. I'm joking, it's all he's spoken about for six months. 

"He bowled really well all game. The wicket didn't offer the off-spinner much assistance.

"It's huge, 500 Test wickets, all over the world, over a decade, in all conditions. 

"He's been waiting for that one for six months with his calf injury and he has just bowled as well as he ever has."

Lyon made his Test debut way back in August 2011 against Sri Lanka and currently averages a hugely impressive 31.00 in the format, claiming a five-wicket haul on 23 occasions and boasting best figures of 8-50.