Nathan Lyon achieved his 500th Test wicket, helping Australia secure a convincing 360-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test in Perth. Pakistan, chasing a target of 450, crumbled to a total of 89 runs in their second innings.
Lyon, a spin bowler, reached the milestone by taking two crucial wickets. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood also contributed, grabbing three wickets each. Australia declared their second innings at 233-5 after dismissing Pakistan for 271 in their first innings.
After setting a challenging target, Pakistan faced early setbacks with their top-order batsmen getting out quickly. Lyon’s milestone moment came when he trapped Faheem Ashraf lbw, and he followed it up by dismissing Aamer Jamal in the same over.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, made the declaration after Usman Khawaja’s resilient 90 and a partnership with Mitchell Marsh. Despite Pakistan removing Steve Smith and Travis Head early in the day, Australia’s formidable position proved too much for the visitors.
Australia now leads the series, and the teams will move on to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test before concluding the series in Sydney.
