Ravichandran Ashwin, the star spinner of the Bharatiya cricket team, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first Bharatiya player to claim 100 Test wickets against England. This remarkable feat was achieved on the opening day of the fourth Test match between Bharat and England in Ranchi. Ashwin secured the milestone wicket of Jonny Bairstow, a breakthrough that further solidified his reputation as one of the premier spin bowlers in the game.
Initially, Bairstow’s dismissal was not upheld by the on-field umpire, but India opted to challenge the decision through the review system. The review favored the hosts, confirming Bairstow’s dismissal and marking Ashwin’s historic achievement. With this feat, Ashwin joins an elite group of cricketers who have taken over 100 wickets against two different teams, having previously achieved the same milestone against Australia.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Ashwin has also made significant contributions with the bat against England. With a tally of 1085 Test runs against the English team, Ashwin now stands as only the fourth player in cricket history to have both 100 wickets and 1000 runs against England. This places him in esteemed company alongside legendary figures like Gary Sobers, Monty Noble, and George Giffen.
Acknowledging Ashwin’s remarkable accomplishment, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), lauded the spinner as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Shah highlighted Ashwin’s talent, dedication, and consistency, emphasizing the significance of his achievement in the realm of spin bowling.
Despite Ashwin’s milestone, the focus of the match shifted towards England captain Joe Root, who showcased his batting prowess by notching his 31st Test century. Root’s innings played a pivotal role in stabilizing England’s innings after India made early inroads. Alongside Root, Ollie Robinson also made an impression with his aggressive stroke play during the final overs of the day, offering England a respectable total of 302/7 at stumps.
Root’s return to form and Robinson’s spirited display ensured that the balance of the game remained in contention, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between bat and ball in the ensuing days of the Test match. As the action unfolds in Ranchi, cricket enthusiasts await eagerly to witness further displays of skill and determination from both sides.
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