India’s veteran off-spin all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin created history in Rajkot on February 16. Ashwin became the second Indian bowler to take 500 Test wickets. He also became the second-fastest to reach the feat.
In the 14th over of England’s innings on Day 2 of the third Test, Ashwin made opener Zak Crawley his 500th Test victim as Rajat Patidar completed an easy catch. He achieved the rare feat in his 98th Test match.
He is only behind legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran who completed 500 wickets in 87 Test matches. He is followed by Anil Kumble (105), Shane Warne (108), and Glenn McGrath (110).
Ashwin is also the second-fastest in terms of balls taken to take 500 Test wickets. He took 25,714 deliveries, only behind McGrath's 25,528.
Among current cricketers, Ashwin is the third-highest wicket-taker. While James Anderson is closing in on 700 wickets, Australia's Nathan Lyon is just ahead with 517 wickets from 127 Tests.
Chasing another record
Meanwhile, Ashwin is also close to becoming the first Indian to take 100 Test wickets against England. He needed three wickets before the Rajkot Test.
Ashwin's illustrious career
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer made his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies. He took nine wickets including a six-wicket haul in the second innings. Since then, he has 34 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls to his name. He has been impressive with the bat as well scoring over 3,300 runs including five centuries and 14 half-centuries.
Ashwin's contribution with the bat
Earlier on Day 2, Ashwin walked out to bat as India lost two quick wickets in the form of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. He shared a crucial 77-run partnership with debutant Dhruv Jurel for the eighth wicket. He contributed with 37 runs from 89 balls including six fours. He was dismissed by leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. The all-rounder helped India cross the 400-run mark and post 445 on the board.
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