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‘Key behind Test domination’ – Fans laud Ravichandran Ashwin on reaching 500 Test wickets

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked his 500 Test wicket and achieved a special milestone during the Rajkot Test match between India and England on Friday.

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Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)

Rajkot saw history being created during the second day’s play between India and England. Ravichandran Ashwin got his 500th Test wicket to become the second Indian bowler to get to the feat. The veteran bowler is also the second-fastest bowler after Muralitharan to achieve this feat. 

Zak Crawley went for a paddle sweep and top-edged the ball as Rajat Patidar settled under the ball. The 30-year-old completed the catch as the fielders rushed to Ashwin and celebrated this monumental feat. 

That wicket was also crucial as the English batters had raced to a quick start in pursuit of India’s 445. Ben Duckett in particular unleashed his full range of shots and went to yet another half-century. 

Ravichandran Ashwin achieves special feat 

Playing in his 98th game for India, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin scaled the 500 peak. It was a huge moment for the veteran who had finished the Vizag Test at 499 Test wickets. 

Once the wicket of Zak Crawley fell the entire team and the ground celebrated in unison. The right-arm spinner had become the second fastest to the mark in terms of Matches played and balls bowled. Only Glenn McGrath has got to 500 wickets quicker in terms of balls bowled. 

Ashwin made his Test debut for India way back in 2011 and since then has become a huge part of the set-up. The youngster had replaced India’s best spinner at that point time in Harbhajan Singh. MS Dhoni found a key ally in Ashwin in helping India whitewash Australia during the 2013 series. Once the formidable MS Dhoni retired, the mantle of leadership fell on the shoulders of Virat Kohli. 

Combining well the Kohli and Ashwin duo fetched a lot of wins including the grand home season of 2016-17. Over the last few years, the veteran has also become a very good bowler away from home. His exploits during the 2020-21 tour of Australia with the bat and ball are the stuff of legends. Currently, in the twilight of his career, Ravichandran Ashwin will be looking to make every chance count. With 119 more wickets separating Ashwin and Kumble, the odds of the Chennai lad becoming India’s great bowler get higher. 

Here’s how the fans reacted:

 

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