NZ vs Aus, 1st Test: Nathan Lyon overtakes Courtney Walsh to become 7th-highest wicket-taker

Nathan Lyon headlined Day 2 of the first Test between New Zealand and Australia, in Wellington, as Pat Cummins & Co. tightened their grip on the series opener on Friday (March 1). The day's play started with Cameron Green (who was unbeaten on 103) resuming Australia's innings at 279-9. He added 71 runs to his overnight tally as Australia were dismissed for 383, from reeling at 267-9 at one stage. The home side fell flat in reply to hand over a big advantage to the opposition.

Green added a brilliant 116-run stand with pacer Josh Hazlewood for the final wicket as Australia went close to the 400-run mark. At one point, they were 156 for 5 on the opening day. The right-hander continued to find the gaps and even cleared the ropes on five occasions to take his sideto a dominating position. From thereon, nothing clicked for Tim Southee-led hosts as they fell for 179, with Lyon becoming the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests, going past Courtney Walsh.

Lyon's 4 for 43 rocked the Kiwis as only Glenn Phillips (71) and pacer Matt Henry (42) stood tall for the home side.

Most Wickets In Men's Tests

Muttiah Muralidaran - 800
Shane Warne - 711
James Anderson - 698
Anil Kumble - 619
Stuart Broad - 604
Glenn McGrath - 563
Nathan Lyon - 521
Courtney Walsh - 519
R Ashwin - 507
Dale Steyn - 419

Apart from Lyon, Hazlewood chipped in with two scalps, giving their side awhopping 204-run lead. Before the end of the day's play, NZ skipper Southee removed Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne but Australia are still leading by 217 runs despite being 13 for 2 in their second essay.

Thus, the hosts have a herculean task ahead to keep chipping in with regular breakthroughs to ensure Australia do not set up a big target.