1st Time In Indian History: R Ashwin Surpasses Anil Kumble For Major Feat

Star India off-spinner Ravichandra Ashwin on Sunday scripted a huge record during the 4th Test against England in Ranchi. On Day 3 of the contest, Ashwin struck thrice in the second session as India reduced England to 120/5 at Tea. During his three-wicket burst, Ashwin became India's leading wicket-taker in home Tests. Ashwin surpassed former India captain Anil Kumble in the elite list, scalping his 350th, 351st and 352nd wickets. Kumble, who represented India from 1993 to 2008, picked 350 wickets in Tests on home soil.

Ashwin is now the only player to pick more than 350 Test wicket in India. He got the wicket of Ollie Pope to achieve the feat.

Most wickets for India in home Tests

Ravichandran Ashwin - 352*
Anil Kumble - 350
Harbhajan Singh - 265
Kapil Dev - 219
Ravindra Jadeja 206*

On the opening day of the 4th Test, Ashwin had also claimed his 100th Test wicket against England. He became the first player to complete a century of wickets for India against the Three Lions.

Last week, Ashwin reached the 500 Test wickets milestone on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test and even attended the press conference after the end of the day's play but had to fly back home because of an emergency. He returned from home on Sunday and bagged his 501st Test wicket, prompting an emotional note from his wife Prithi.

It isn't yet fully known what the emergency was for Ashwin and his family but his wife Prithi summed up the nature of the situation, saying those were the longest 48 hours for the family.

"We chased the 500 to Hyderabad, it didn't happen. To Vizag, it didn't happen. So I just bought a ton of sweets and gave it to everyone at home at 499. 500 came and went quietly. Till it didn't. A lot happened between 500 and 501. Longest 48 hours of our lives," Ashwin's wife Prithi wrote in a post on Instagram.

"But this is about the 500. And the 499 before that. What a phenomenal achievement. What a phenomenal guy. I am insanely proud of you Ravi Ashwin. We love you!" she added.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/hGkeN9A