Australia's Lyon spins his way into the 500 Test wickets club

PERTH: Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon on Sunday (Dec 17) became the eighth bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, holding the ball aloft after trapping Pakistan's Faheem Ashraf lbw to claim the milestone in his side's 360-run win in the series opener at Perth Stadium.

The 123-match veteran, affectionately nicknamed "The GOAT", further cemented his place among the "greatest of all time" during the third session to join Australia's Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563) in the illustrious 500 club.

"I don't think it's hit me yet, but there's obviously been a lot of hard work go into the journey ... It's pretty special to take 500 in my first Test back," Lyon, who took 3-66 and 2-14, told reporters.

After declaring at 233-5 after lunch on day four to set Pakistan 450 for victory, the hosts ripped through the tourists for 89 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which continues in Melbourne on Dec 26.

Australia's seamers were dominant in their outing on day four, reducing the visitors to 48-4 before tea, but it was Lyon's 28th over lbw review which brought the crowd to life.

"I was quietly confident it would hit leg ... (but with) reviews, you're always nervous," he said.

The crowd roared their approval when Hawk-Eye showed the ball hitting Ashraf's stumps, giving Lyon his 500th.

Lyon, who debuted for Australia in 2011 after enjoying a rapid rise domestically, entered the match on 496 wickets.

Playing on his mind, though, was the torn calf that left him sidelined for most of this year's drawn Ashes series in England.

"There was a fair amount of anxiety, I don't think I've ever cramped after 10 overs and I was cramping in both calves. But all in all, it's pulled up really well," he said.

Lyon had looked like reaching his