As the Sri Lanka tour of India reaches its Day 3 for the opening series comfortably, Ravi Ashwin breaks the Indian legendary cricketer Kapil Dev’s record to become India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in the Test format. It brought Ashwin’s overall record to 435 wickets, whereas Kapil has 434 scalps in Tests.
Ashwin drew up with Kapil Dev when he bowled Sri Lanka batsman Pathum Nissanka in the second session of the 3rd day. He then removed Charith Asalanka just after tea break to claim his 435th Test scalp. The 35-year-old had previously struck 2/49 in 20 overs in Sri Lanka’s opening innings.
Ashwin is only the 4th bowler from India to have more than 400 wickets in Tests. He also surpassed Kiwis Richard Hadlee (431) and Sri Lankan Rangana Herath (432) in the current Test versus Sri Lanka in Mohali to become the 9th best Test wicket-taker in cricket history. Ashwin is the 3rd-highest wicket-taker among current Test cricketers after only England pacers Stuart Broad (537) & James Anderson (640).
Ashwin, who earned his Test debut versus the West Indies in Delhi in 2011 November, has 435 victims in 85 Tests with a strike rate of 52.6 and an avg of 24.33. Aside from his abilities with the ball, Ashwin is also well-known for his flawless also with the bat, having scored 2905 runs at an average of 27.15 and having 5-100’s to his name.
Ashwin got a 50 in the 1st innings of the current Test match, helping India achieve a massive first-innings score of 574/8 declared. Ashwin took two wickets in the 1st innings and put up another all-round performance for India in whites.
Furthermore, Ravindra Jadeja continued to flourish versus Sri Lanka, claiming 5 wickets as the guests were knocked out for 174 on day 3 of the opening Test as India pushed the lead. Jadeja took 5 wickets by surrendering 41 runs to go with his outstanding 175 not out in India’s innings of 574 for 8 wickets declared, as the visitors surrendered a 400-run first-innings lead.
Bowlers who have taken 300 or more wickets in Test cricket:
- Muttiah Muralitharan – 800 wickets in 133 Tests
2. Shane Warne – 708 wickets in 145 Tests
3. James Anderson – 640 wickets in 169 Tests
4. Anil Kumble – 619 wickets in 132 Tests
5. Glenn McGrath – 563 wickets in 124 Tests
6. Stuart Broad – 537 wickets in 152 Tests
7. Courtney Walsh – 519 wickets in 132 Tests
8. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets in 93 Tests
9. *R Ashwin – 435 wickets in 85 Tests
However, on Day 3, Team India once again dominated the play, as Sri Lanka was dismissed for 178 while attempting to achieve the Indian side’s declared objective. With their steadiness, R Ashwin and Jadeja take center stage alongside Mohammed Shami.
