Shane Warne column: Nathan Lyon could become leading Test wicket-taker if he continues career well into 30s

Shane Warne is expecting company at the top of the Test wicket-takers list in the next few years - and that it’s likely to come from the ‘dark side’ of spin bowling isn’t upsetting at all.

EMBARGOED - SPEAK TO JAMES SILVER ON THE DAILY TELEGRAPH SPORT DESK BEFORE USE - Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon pictured at the SCG ahead of his 100th test match. Picture: Toby Zerna

Nathan Lyon could knock myself and Muttiah Muralitharan off our perches to become the leading wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.

I’m expecting Lyon to bring up his 400th wicket at the SCG before celebrating his 100th Test match at the Gabba next week.

If he keeps himself injury free, I think he could easily go on and play for another five years.

That’s approximately another 50 Tests, and if he continues to take four wickets per game, then that is another 200 – or maybe 250 if he has a golden five years – Test wickets.

Watch Australia v India Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with the Fox Cricket commentary team. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Nathan Lyon could well threaten the leading Test wicket-takers.

You put that on top of his 400 and he’s in the 600-650 wicket club at 38 years of age.

And if he’s still going well then he might have a crack at me (708) and Murali (800), which would be awesome to see.

There’s a strong case to say that Lyon is Australia’s most important player, because he’s probably the hardest to replace.

Australia is very lucky to have three quality fast bowlers – plus we’ve got a lot of other fast bowlers in the wings, like James Pattinson, who can step in and do a good job.

We’ve got Mitchell Swepson in the wings, but a spinner making his debut is a long, long way from what Nathan Lyon is, no matter how good the spinner is.

David Warner, Steve Smith and Lyon are Australia’s three most important players, but I reckon Lyon is at the top of the tree.

In the last 20-odd years of world cricket, the only really successful traditional off-spinners have been Graeme Swann and Lyon, whereas the others are mystery spinners.

Shane Warne speaks with Nathan Lyon before a recent Test match.

For Lyon to accomplish what he has with an off-spinner, a bit of natural variation and an arm-ball shows what skill he has, given the reverse sweeps and the way batsmen attack in the modern game.

When you judge players you say, ‘Have they improved since they started, and have they enhanced their reputation?’

So many guys do really well when they come in, but they never take their game to their next level.

They don’t actually improve.

You need people to improve, and Nathan Lyon has got better with age.

We generally chat most mornings of a Test match when I’m commentating at the ground.

He’ll often say, ‘What did you see, King?’ and I’ll say, ‘Have you thought about this or that?’ and we’ll always have a discussion about spin bowling.

It’s been nice as part of the spinning brotherhood to help Nathan at times when he’s asked along his journey.

Nathan Lyon has got better with age.

The only time I can remember being forceful about a field was two years ago and having a bat pad for Cheteshwar Pujara, and thankfully he took the advice.

Nathan Lyon knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s doing a bloody good job.

If he ever needs an ear for a rant, or any tips, or thoughts he wants to discuss, which we’ve done from time to time over the years, I’m always available to help, even though he’s on the Darth Vader side of spin bowling (off-spin).

The Luke Skywalker – the good force – is leg-spin bowling.

He’s very lucky that he’s playing with great Australian fast bowlers who always make his job easier, because they take early wickets.

When you those as teammates, most often you’re bowling to fresh batsmen rather than set batsmen.

But where he’s impressed me the most is his ability to not just take wickets, but control the game.

Lyon burst onto the Test scene in 2011.

I can’t think of too many times that he’s been belted out of the attack.

So what that means is he’s been able to control one end, and the quicks have rotated the other end.

Consistency is Lyon’s best asset, along with bounce, and he has the ability to sum up conditions and work batsmen out quickly.

He leads the team song and is the heartbeat of the Australian team.

When Lyon first came along I said, ‘Oh, this guy looks all right’.

But he started out as a groundsman at the Adelaide Oval, and I didn’t think he would achieve such great heights as he has, and there’s more to come.

Bowled, Gaz.