Rajkot: In a monumental achievement, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the second-fastest bowler to claim 500 Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble. The historic moment unfolded on Day 2 of the riveting 3rd Test between India and England at the Saurashtra’s Niranjan Shah Stadium.
Leading India’s bowling charge on Friday, Ashwin displayed his mastery as he provided the crucial breakthrough for the team by dismissing Zak Crawley during the third session of the day’s play. This landmark wicket marked Ashwin’s 500th scalp in Test cricket, a feat achieved in his 98th Test match, making him the quickest Indian to reach this milestone.
Ashwin’s journey to 500 wickets has been nothing short of remarkable, as he reached the pinnacle in 25715 balls, making him the second-fastest overall. Only the legendary Glenn McGrath achieved this milestone in fewer deliveries, taking 25528 balls. This accomplishment also places Ashwin ahead of Anil Kumble, who needed 105 matches to achieve the same feat. The record for the fastest to 500 wickets in Test cricket is held by the great Muttiah Muralitharan, accomplished in just 87 Tests.
Notably, in the previous Test, Ashwin showcased his skill by outsmarting England’s Ollie Pope to secure his 498th Test wicket. With this achievement, he also surpassed BS Chandrasekhar to become India’s leading wicket-taker against England in Test cricket.
At 37 years old, Ashwin now stands as the second-fastest bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach 500 wickets, joining the elite club of nine bowlers who have achieved this milestone. Anil Kumble, the former Indian skipper, remains the leading wicket-taker for the nation with 619 wickets in 132 Test matches.
With 800 wickets in 133 games, Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan holds the title of the all-time highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, setting a benchmark that stands as a testament to the incredible longevity and skill of these cricketing legends.