R Ashwin, the seasoned Indian spinner, is marking his 100th Test match for India at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala. At 37 years old, he also holds the distinction of surpassing Anil Kumble’s record to become the fastest Indian bowler to achieve 500 Test wickets.
Ashwin celebrated his 100th Test alongside his wife Prithi and daughters. He addressed the Indian players, handed Devdutt Paddikal his debut cap, and received a special 100th Test cap from coach Rahul Dravid in front of the team and his family. Ashwin also received a guard of honor as he entered the field for the 5th Test against England.
Ashwin has now become part of the esteemed group of players who have represented India in 100 or more Test matches. This list includes cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Ashwin with his wife ahead of his 100th Test.
– A proud moment for the family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S5towek28d
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 7, 2024
Rohit Sharma Hailed ‘Stalwart’ R Ashwin On His 100th Test
Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his full support for Ravichandran Ashwin, hoping for his remarkable performance in the 5th Test against England. Despite losing the toss, with Ben Stokes choosing to bat first, Rohit Sharma conveyed his confidence in Ashwin’s abilities to make an impact in the match.
Rohit Sharma showered praises on Ravichandran Ashwin as the off-spinner prepares to play his 100th Test. He said: “Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket. Such a proud moment for him, his nation and the family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic.”
Rohit Sharma revealed two changes to India’s playing XI, with Devdutt Paddikal and Jasprit Bumrah replacing Akash Deep and Rajat Patidar. Paddikal will be the latest debutant in the IND vs ENG series, following Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Rajat Patidar. Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first. If Rohit Sharma had won the toss, he stated that India would have also opted to bat first.
“We would have batted first as well. We have done really well so far this series and an opportunity to finish on a high. There should be good bounce on this pitch than the games before in this series. Good pitch to bat on and I don’t think it will deteriorate that much,”
He added: “Bumrah is back, Akash Deep misses out. Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut as Patidar got injured last evening,”
