Indian spinning veteran Ravichandran Ashwin is set to play his 100th Test match on March 7. India’s final Test against England at Dharamshala will see the spinner acquire a century of caps for his nation in the format. Arguably one of India’s biggest bowling greats in modern cricket, Ashwin has proven his effectiveness throughout his career. He is a tried and tested right-arm offspinner who could also be relied upon with the bat when the stakes are high. Several performances under Ashwin’s belt have rescued India from dire situations, establishing him as a crucial player in the nation’s Test squad.
Here’s a look at the seasoned cricketer’s five major accomplishments on the way to his 100th Test match.
Fastest landmark wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin is the fastest player to secure 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 Test wickets for India. He became only the ninth cricketer in the world and the second Indian to acquire the milestone of 500 Test wickets. He achieved it on the second day of the Rajkot Test match against England. Zak Crawley was his landmark wicket, which the 37-year-old acquired in the final session.
Four 50+ wicket hauls in a calendar year
Ravichandran Ashwin has acquired 50 or more wickets in a single year on more occasions than any other player who has played for India. His first 50+ wicket haul came in 2015 when he took 62 wickets. He went on to scalp 72, 56 and 54 wickets in the years 2016, 2017 and 2021.
Most five and 10-wicket hauls
Standing alongside the great Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken the most fifers and 10-wicket hauls for India. Both Kumble and Ashwin boast a total of 35 fifers and eight 10-wicket hauls in their careers. Ashwin achieved these numbers in 99 Tests whereas Kumble required 132 Tests to achieve the same feat.
Scoring a century and taking a fifer in one match
Amassing a ton and picking up five wickets in the same Test match is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has achieved the same three times in his career. He achieved this feat for the first time in 2011 against the West Indies when he scored 103 runs and scalped five wickets in Mumbai. Five years later, Ashwin as it once again when playing the West Indies in 2016. His third such game came in 2021 against England when the off-spinners put up 106 runs and took five wickets in Chennai.
Fourth Most Player of the Match Awards
Ravichandran Ashwin has secured a total of nine Player of the Match awards in Test cricket. He is only succeeded by India’s greatest-ever batters including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid.
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