Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier Test bowler, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming only the second player to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing 1000 runs and claiming 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).
Ashwin’s extraordinary accomplishment came during the opening day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday. He joined his compatriot Ravindra Jadeja in the exclusive club, who had achieved the same milestone earlier this year against England.
In the history of the WTC, only 11 bowlers have managed to take more than 100 wickets. However, among these elite bowlers, only Jadeja and Ashwin have also managed to score 1000 runs, showcasing their all-round abilities.
Ashwin is now on the cusp of surpassing Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker in the WTC. With just 14 wickets separating him from Lyon’s tally of 187, Ashwin has the opportunity to etch his name in the record books during the upcoming matches against Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Ashwin is also on the verge of another remarkable feat. If he manages to secure at least one five-wicket haul during the series, he will stand alone as the first player to achieve this milestone 11 times in WTC history.
In addition to his bowling exploits, Ashwin also notched up his sixth Test hundred, finishing the day on 102 not out. India concluded the day’s play at 339/6, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja forging an unbroken partnership.
The duo put on an impressive 195 runs off just 227 deliveries, with Jadeja contributing a valuable 86 runs and remaining not out alongside Ashwin at the close of play.
Ashwin’s all-round performance has been instrumental in India’s dominance in the WTC. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Indian team.
