Ravichandran Ashwin Joins 500 Test-wicket Club, Becomes 2nd Indian to Reach Milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin has finally etched his name among the greats in cricketing history as he managed to pick his 500th wicket in Test cricket. The spinner delivered once again at a crucial point in the match as England was in Bazball mode attacking the Indian bowlers.

He becomes the second Indian bowler to reach this feat and ninth among international cricketers to now be part of an elite list of cricketers to take up the sport. The spinner has been a big part of India’s success since his debut in 2011 and has a stellar record at home picking up 347 wickets in familiar conditions.

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Ashwin was brought into the attack as England opener, Ben Duckett was thrashing the Indian bowlers racing towards his fifty in just 39 deliveries. But the off-spinner gave India the big breakthrough by dismissing Zak Crawley. He used his cricketing intellect to enforce the dismissal as he went down the leg side which got the top edge from the sweep which landed safely for the catch.

Having played 98 Tests, the 37-year-old managed to become the second-fastest to 500 wickets surpassing India’s legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble who took 105 matches to reach the milestone and was also present at the venue. Only he and Sri Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan (in 87 Tests) have managed to get to 500 Test wickets in under 100 matches. He also becomes the second-fastest in terms of balls bowled (25714 balls) to reach the milestone going past James Anderson (28150).

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The 37-year-old has come a long way since making a name for himself in the IPL under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He now finds himself among the elite bowlers. India will hope that Ashwin will continue to deliver match-winning performances in the ongoing series as the hosts will aim to defend their long-standing streak of being unbeaten at home which goes back to 2012, coincidentally around the same time Ashwin made his debut.