The uncomfortable truth on Lyon's all-time ranking

Nathan Lyon's status as one of Australia's greatest spin bowlers of all-time is unquestioned.

Exactly where he stands is up for debate, however.

For Wide World of Sports commentator and former Test captain Mark Taylor, the thought of ranking Lyon is too difficult.

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On sheer numbers of wickets alone, few would dispute that Shane Warne is Australia's bona fide GOAT.

However, the second rung on that ladder is up for debate.

Taylor spoke with Wide World of Sports, who said it's difficult and unfair to compare Lyon to the likes of Bill O'Reilly or Clarrie Grimmett by way of example.

Lyon currently sits eighth on the all-time most wickets taken ladder behind Muthiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), James Anderson (690), Anil Kumble (619), Stuart Broad (604), Glenn McGrath (563), and Courtney Walsh (519). 

Grimmett, by contrast, sits 74th on that list with 216 wickets but only played 37 Tests while O'Reilly played just 27 matches and took 144 wickets.

They averaged 24.21 and 22.59 respectively while Lyon currently averages 30.85.

Ultimately, the difference between generations is too big a factor for Taylor to definitively say where Lyon sits. 

"I don't like saying things about history because it's so different now. The guys of today and even my era, we played so many more games," said Taylor.

"If you say the number two in history, it means you're forgetting about people like O'Reilly and Grimmett and some of those names from yesteryear who didn't have the opportunity to play 123 test matches. 

"Obviously you're eluding to the fact that Warnie would be number one, but once again, Warnie was number one because yes, he was a great spinner, but also he was able to play a lot more test matches. 

"I don't like ranking guys over the history of the game because it's too far."

Lyon could conceivably move up that order if he plays as long as some are forecasting he might.

The 36-year-old has earmarked a return to England for another Ashes series.

Taylor is confident the New South Welshman could play into his 40s, echoing remarks made by incumbent captain Pat Cummins.

"That wouldn't surprise me to be totally honest because he's still very keen and I spoke to him only recently and he talked about maybe going back to England," said Taylor.

"That's 2027, the best part of three and a half years away. It wouldn't surprise me if he if he gets up towards 40 if he's still enjoying it and taking wicket. 

"I don't see him giving it up in a hurry."