Ranchi, Feb 23 (UNI) Ravichandran Ashwin scripted history when he dismissed Jonny Bairstow
early on Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England here on Friday.
Ashwin became the first India player to pick 100 Test wickets against England after he scalped Bairstow, leg before wicket. Bairstow was initially given not out, but upon review, the on-field
decision had to be overturned in favour of India.
Ashwin now has 100+ wickets against two teams – England and Australia (114).
He has also scored 1085 Test runs against England, making him only the fourth player in history to complete the double feat of 100 wickets and 1000 runs against England after Gary Sobers (West Indies), Monty Noble (Australia) and George Giffen (Australia).
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Ashwin on his remarkable feat in a tweet, calling him ‘one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history’.
“Setting new records yet again, @ashwinravi99 (Ashwin) has made history by becoming the first Indian to take 100 test wickets against England. His outstanding performance further cements his status as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history. His extraordinary feat underscores his talent, and dedication to the sport. Congratulations!”
The off-spinner went past another milestone in the previous Test in Rajkot. On Day 2, Ashwin marked his 500th wicket in Test cricket by dismissing Zak Crawley. He joined an elite group as the ninth bowler in Test history to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of Anil Kumble as the only other India bowler to do so.
Ashwin is now one match away from playing his 100th Test for India.
India started well with five wickets in the first session but a 31st Test century from Joe Root helped England put up a strong fight. With the help of Ben Foakes (47) and Ollie Robinson (31 not out),
Root (106 not out) managed to carry the visitors to 302/7 at stumps on the opening day of the fourth Test.
UNI BM