Indian veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is commemorating a significant milestone as he steps onto the field for his 100th Test match for the national team. The anticipation surrounding the performance of the legendary spinner, R Ashwin, in his centennial Test was palpable. Ashwin was introduced into the bowling attack during the 49th over of the fifth and final Test match, yet he had not claimed a wicket. However, Ashwin swiftly altered the narrative by dismissing Tom Hartley (6) and Mark Wood (0) within a single over.
His first breakthrough came with the dismissal of Hartley, facilitated by an exceptional catch by Devdutt Padikkal, who was making his debut. This marked Ashwin’s first wicket in his 100th Test match. Ashwin skillfully delivered a floaty slower ball, drifting enticingly outside off stump, tempting Hartley to attempt a powerful shot towards the leg-side. Despite Hartley’s effort resulting in a thick top edge, Padikkal exhibited remarkable agility by sprinting to his left from deep mid-wicket, executing the catch before tumbling.
A double-wicket over, for R Ashwin!
— M8N (@ff_m8n87732) March 7, 2024
That's the spirit of đź’Ż test match
Ash on 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kMjQRw8Ysw
Subsequently, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Mark Wood, who had just taken to the crease. Delivering a gentle off-break just outside off stump, Wood attempted to block the ball with firm hands, but only succeeded in producing a healthy outside edge to the left of the lone slip. The Indian skipper exhibited impeccable timing as he executed a mini-leap, securing a fine low catch before tumbling to the ground.
At the time of penning this article, India was in pursuit of dismissing England on Day 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, with eight wickets already claimed. After 55 overs, the English side had accumulated 194 runs, with Ben Foakes and Shoaib Bashir at the crease during Tea.
Kuldeep Yadav showcased stellar form, clinching a five-wicket haul and achieving his 50th Test wicket in the process. Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja contributed to the bowling effort by securing a wicket, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remained without a wicket to their name.
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