India's ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took his 500th Test wicket in the Rajkot Test but he did not have much time to celebrate his remarkable feat. Ashwin had to head back home after Day 2’s play due to a medical emergency in his family. After missing Day 3’s play, Ashwin returned and took a wicket on Day 4 helping India bowl out England for 122 and register a record-breaking 434-run win in Rajkot. After India took a 2-1 lead in the series, Ashwin’s wife Prithi Narayanan penned an emotional post for her husband on her social media account.
“We chased the 500 to Hyderabad, it didn't happen. To Vizag, it didn't happen. So I just bought a ton of sweets and gave it to everyone at home at 499. 500 came and went quietly. Till it didn't. A lot happened between 500 and 501. Longest 48 hours of our lives,” Prithi wrote.
“But this is about the 500. And the 499 before that. What a phenomenal achievement. What a phenomenal guy. I am insanely proud of you @rashwin99 We love you!”
On Day 2, Ashwin made Zak Crawley his 500th Test scalp. He became the second Indian after legendary Anil Kumble to achieve the rare feat and ninth overall.
Rohit hails Ashwin
Ashwin’s departure meant India were playing with four bowlers on Day 3. But Indian skipper Rohit Sharma understood that ‘family comes first’. Rohit in the post-match press conference revealed his initial reaction on learning the news and then lauded Ashwin for coming back on Day 4.
“When you lose your most experienced bowler, especially in the middle of the Test match, it's not easy. But everything was (at a) side, family comes first,” Rohit told the reporters in Rajkot. “When we heard the news, there was no second thought in our mind that he should do what he feels is right. He wanted to be with the family, which is an absolutely right thing to do and good on him to actually make a way and come here and be part of the team on this day as well.”
“(It) shows the character and shows the kind of person he is, wanting to put everything ahead for the team,” he added.
Ashwin chases another massive feat
Ashwin is the second-fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of Tests and deliveries taken. In the Ranchi Test, he has a chance to become India’s first bowler to take 100 wickets against England in the format.
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