During the third Test against England in Rajkot, India’s premier off-spinner R Ashwin reached a significant milestone by becoming only the second Indian and ninth player globally to secure 500 wickets in Test cricket. This achievement puts him in the esteemed company of legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble.
Entering the third Test, Ravichandran Ashwin required just one more wicket to achieve the remarkable feat of 500 Test wickets. During England’s first innings, he reached this milestone by dismissing Zak Crawley for 15, who fell victim to a top edge while attempting a sweep from outside leg.
Following the wicket, R Ashwin’s teammates gathered around him, offering congratulations and recognizing him as just the second Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone. While it’s certainly a moment worthy of celebration, there’s also an awareness that there are further goals to pursue within the broader context of the game.
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HIGHEST WICKET-TAKERS IN TEST CRICKET
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800 wickets
Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets
James Anderson (England) – 695* wickets
Anil Kumble (India) – 619 wickets
Stuart Broad (England) – 604 wickets
Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 563 wickets
Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519 wickets
Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 517* wickets
R Ashwin (India)- 500*
R Ashwin Made An Emotional Statement After Picking 500 Test Wickets
R Ashwin’s achievement of reaching 500 Test wickets in just 98 matches makes him the fastest bowler to accomplish this milestone in the history of the game. He now stands as the ninth bowler globally to achieve this feat. Among Indian bowlers, only Anil Kumble, with 619 Test wickets, remains ahead of him in terms of Test wicket tally.
Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on his journey, acknowledging the unwavering support of his father at every step of his life. He also commented on England’s aggressive approach, noting that their tactics have prompted considerable contemplation and adaptation from the Indian team. Speaking to broadcasters, Ashwin said:
βItβs been quite a long journey. Firstly Iβd like to dedicate this feat to my father. Heβs been with me through thick and thin, probably had a heart-attack every time heβs watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that.Β
βEngland are showing a lot of intent, playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game. Given us a lot to think about, we have to keep doing what weβre doing and hope that one goes to hand.βΒ
Ashwin also discussed England’s strategy, noting that the pitch conditions have allowed batters to settle in during the initial three days. Regarding the pitch itself, he mentioned that it is expected to become more challenging by Day 5, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline in their approach. He said:
βThe surfaces weβve played on in this series has allowed the batters time on the first three days. Expect this pitch to get hard on Day 5. We need to exercise discipline, England has been in such positions before. I think the game is in the balance, theyβre putting us under pressure but itβs important we stay composed and stay in the game.β
Following India’s innings closure at 445 runs, England began their innings with a forceful start. Ben Duckett’s unbeaten century (133*) propelled them into a dominant position. By the end of Day 2’s play, England stood at 207/2, trailing by just 238 runs.
