Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday marked a significant milestone in Test cricket on Day 2 of the ongoing 3rd Test between India and England at Rajkot.
After scoring a crucial 37 in the first innings that took India to a total of 445, Ashwin came on to bowl as India began their search for a breakthrough. It was in the 14th over of the innings that the veteran off-spinner got his 500th Test wicket when he dismissed England opener Zak Crawley.
#Ashwin500 🫡pic.twitter.com/PsHX9in0hB
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 16, 2024
With this landmark milestone, Ashwin joins an elite group of bowlers, becoming only the second Indian to reach the 500-wicket mark after former spinner Anil Kumble. The 37-year-old also got there in 98 Tests, making him the second-fastest bowler in Test history after the all-time leader Muttiah Muralitharan. Ashwin is also the ninth bowler in world cricket to achieve the feat.
Since his Test debut in 2011, Ashwin has remained a vital cog in the Indian Test side with his dominating performances, boasting 34 five-wicket hauls and 8 match 10-fers. He has been a force to reckon with especially in home conditions, where he has picked more than half of his 500 wickets.
