Experienced Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a historic feat on Monday, February 5, becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests against England. The 37-year-old surpassed the legendary leg-spinner Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, who had 95 wickets from 23 Tests against England.
On Day 4 of the second Test in Visakhapatnam, with England set to chase 399 and starting at 67/1, Ashwin, who had remained wicketless in the first innings, dismissed Ben Duckett for 28, levelling Chandrasekhar’s tally of 95 Test wickets against England.
During the initial session on Day 4, Ashwin secured the crucial dismissal of Ollie Pope (23), brilliantly caught by skipper Rohit Sharma at slip. This wicket propelled Ashwin to become India’s highest wicket-taker in Test matches against England.
The ex-England captain attempted a slog against the experienced Indian off-spinner but could only produce a catch to backward point, safely taken by Axar Patel. This wicket not only contributed to Ashwin becoming India’s highest wicket-taker against England but also brought his overall Test wicket count to 499.
Ashwin’s breakthroughs position India in a favourable position in the Visakhapatnam Test
Ashwin’s exceptional bowling performance during the first session on Day 4 of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam significantly enhanced India’s chances of winning the match. England, pursuing a target of 399, went to lunch at 194/6.
They now require an additional 205 runs for victory, holding only four wickets in hand. Axar Patel, the left-arm spinner, claimed the initial wicket of the day by dismissing nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed lbw for 23 with a delivery that skidded through after pitching.
Ashwin then secured the dismissals of Pope and Root, causing the visitors to slide to 154/4. Kuldeep Yadav secured a crucial wicket by dismissing England opener Zak Crawley, trapping him lbw for 73 with a delivery that pitched on leg stump and struck him in line.
Just before lunch on Day 4, Jasprit Bumrah added to England’s woes by dismissing Jonny Bairstow’s (26) leg before with a length ball that seamed in and eluded the batter’s inside edge. England now relies on a substantial performance from skipper Ben Stokes if they are to achieve victory in Visakhapatnam.
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