New Delhi: The Indian team’s star spinner R Ashwin achieved a remarkable feat in the Rajkot Test against England on Friday. He became the second-fastest bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 500 wickets, reaching the milestone in his 98th match. He also became the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble to join the elite club of 500 Test wickets.
The third match of the five-match Test series between India and England was a memorable one for the veteran off-spinner. He needed just one wicket to make a big record and he did not take long to get it. He dismissed England opener Zak Crawley for 15 in the final session of the second day, breaking the 89-run stand between him and Rory Burns.
Ashwin’s 500th scalp was a timely one for India, who had posted 445 in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. Ashwin also contributed with the bat, scoring 42 runs and sharing a 79-run partnership with Pujara.
Ashwin, who made his Test debut in November 2011, has been a key factor in India’s home dominance over the last decade. He has picked up 34 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket. He is also the fastest in the world to reach 250 and 300 Test wickets.
The 37-year-old off-spinner has left behind some of the greats of the game in his journey to 500 Test wickets. He surpassed former India captain Anil Kumble, who took 105 matches to reach the landmark. He is only behind former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who achieved the feat in 87 matches. Australia’s Shane Warne and England’s James Anderson are in third and fourth place, respectively, taking 108 and 110 matches to get 500 Test wickets.
Ashwin will be hoping to add more wickets to his tally and help India win the Rajkot Test and take a 2-1 lead in the series. The first Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw, while India won the second Test in Mumbai by an innings and 76 runs.
