Ravichandran Ashwin will have his sights on former New Zealand fast bowler Richard Hadlee’s record in the upcoming two-Test series at home. In spin-friendly Indian conditions of Kanpur and Mumbai, Ashwin needs 14 more wickets to become the highest wicket-taker in India vs New Zealand Test matches over the years.
India and New Zealand have been playing Test cricket since November 1955. In 66-year history of Test cricket between the two sides, Hadlee has taken most wickets between the two sides. Before hanging his boots, the Kiwi pacer had taken 65 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 22.96 and best bowling figures of 7 for 23.
In 1990, a 39-year-old Hadlee went past India’s legendary left-arm off-spinner Bishan Singh Bedi who had 57 wickets from 12 Tests at an average of 19.14. Before Bedi, he also surpassed Erapalli Prasanna who had 55 wickets from 10 games at an average of 16.43.
Among five bowlers in India vs New Zealand Test history who have 50 or more wickets, Ashwin is already the fastest to the milestone. The Tamil Nadu spinner has 52 wickets against his name in just seven Tests at an average of 16.53. He also has most five-wicket hauls (6) in India vs New Zealand clashes.
In Indian conditions, Ashwin is a must in the Indian Test side. The 35-year-old has been in brilliant form of late. In the recently-concluded three-T20I series, Ashwin took three wickets in two games while bowling economical spells. The veteran off-spinner will back himself to break Hadlee’s record with 14 more to go in two Tests.