Ravichandran Ashwin made history by becoming India's top wicket-taker in Test matches against England, surpassing the iconic Bhagwath Chandrasekhar's tally of 95 wickets from 23 matches, which included eight five-wicket hauls. This monumental achievement occurred during the fourth day of the second Test match between India and England at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Entering the match, Ashwin needed just two wickets to break Chandrasekhar's record. Although the first innings of the match didn't see him make the breakthrough needed, Ashwin's moment came in the second innings. He claimed his record-breaking wicket by dismissing Ben Duckett towards the end of Day 3, setting the stage for further success on the following day.
On Day 4, Ashwin continued his impressive performance by taking the wicket of Ollie Pope, who had previously challenged the Indian bowling lineup with a stunning 196-run innings in the first Test at Hyderabad. Ashwin's delivery to Pope was pitched outside off-stump, enticing Pope into an aggressive cut shot that resulted in a thick edge caught by Rohit Sharma in the slips.
With this achievement, Ashwin now ranks second on the list of leading wicket-takers in Test matches between India and England, just behind James Anderson. Anderson, who took three wickets in the first innings of this Test, leads the tally.
Throughout 36 Tests against England, the 37-year-old Ashwin has secured 144 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 2.69 and earning six five-wicket hauls. His contributions to the Indian team have been invaluable, not only as a bowler but also as a batter. In 2021, Ashwin showcased his all-round capabilities by scoring a century against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, further cementing his status as a key player for India.
Ashwin's record-breaking performance in Visakhapatnam is a testament to his enduring skill and consistency, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career.
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