India are set to host England in a five-match Test series, kicking off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a caution to the England team, highlighting the considerable threat posed by Ravichandran Ashwin and his spin skills. Ashwin boasts an impressive track record against England in Tests, trailing only James Anderson in terms of the highest wicket-takers in matches between the two teams.
With 88 wickets in 19 matches, including six five-wicket hauls and a six-wicket haul, Ashwin has established himself as a formidable force against England. The seasoned spinner is just 12 wickets away from joining the legendary Anderson as the only bowler to claim 100 or more wickets in Tests between India and England.
The 37-year-old boasts a commendable batting record, having notched up five Test centuries, including one against England in 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He also has accumulated 14 half-centuries in the longest format. Ashwin is on the verge of reaching the milestone of 500 wickets in Test cricket, currently standing just 10 wickets away.
Adding a lighter note, Shastri playfully commented on Ashwin's new haircut while underscoring the significant threat he poses to the English team in the upcoming Test series. Shastri made these remarks during the BCCI awards ceremony held on January 23, where he had a memorable day by winning the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. The other recipient of the award alongside Shastri was Farokh Engineer.
“Ashwin just mentioned, I am going to get up do better. Now that he has had this haircut and his brains are free, with the air going through, now can you imagine what all he is thinking? There could be a ‘Theesra’, there could be a ‘choutha’. England will find out very soon, in the next couple of months,” Shastri was quoted as saying.
Ashwin to repeat his performance against England in 2021 series
Ashwin emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 Test series against England, claiming 32 wickets in four matches with an impressive average of 14.72. His outstanding performance included three instances of taking five wickets in an innings, and his best figures were 6/61. Notably, Ashwin showcased his all-round capabilities by scoring a century in the second Test of the four-match series held in Chennai.
The last team to secure a Test series victory in India was England in 2012, led by Alastair Cook. Since that defeat, India have triumphed in 16 consecutive Test series at home, defeating England twice in 2016 and 2021. England aim to replicate their 2012 success and emerge victorious against the hosts.
Currently, India hold the second position in the World Test Championship (WTC) table with a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 54.16. They trail behind the defending champions, Australia, who lead the table with a PCT of 61.11. The upcoming five-match Test series presents an optimal opportunity for India to ascend to the top of the WTC table. Given their formidable home record, there is a high likelihood that they will convincingly win the series against England.
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