In a monumental achievement, Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in Test matches played in India. Ashwin achieved this feat during the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, where he picked up the crucial wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope to take his tally to 351 wickets.
Ashwin’s milestone is particularly significant as he achieved it in just 59 Test matches at home, surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble, who took 350 wickets in 63 matches in India at an average of 24.88. Ashwin’s remarkable average of 21.40 in home Tests underscores his dominance and effectiveness in familiar conditions.
The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu also surpassed Kumble in terms of five-wicket hauls, with Ashwin boasting 26 fifers compared to Kumble’s 25. However, Kumble holds the edge in terms of ten-wicket hauls in a match, having achieved the feat seven times compared to Ashwin’s six.
In a spirited display of resilience, India fought back admirably in their first innings of the fourth Test against England, narrowing down the first-innings lead to just 46 runs by the lunch break on the third day. The standout performer for India was Dhruv Jurel, who fell agonizingly short of his maiden Test century, scoring a valiant 90 off 149 balls.
India’s innings was a tale of determination and partnerships, with Jurel leading the charge alongside Kuldeep Yadav. The duo frustrated the English bowlers with a crucial 76-run stand for the eighth wicket, batting resolutely and consuming 202 deliveries to steady the Indian innings. Jurel’s innings was a mix of aggression and solidity, featuring six boundaries and four sixes, before he was dismissed by Tom Hartley (3/68) on the cusp of lunch.
Kuldeep Yadav, playing a vital supporting role, stood firm alongside Jurel before falling to James Anderson when England took the second new ball. Kuldeep’s patient 28 off 131 balls played a crucial role in India’s fightback, as he helped reduce the first-innings deficit.
For England, Shoaib Bashir was the standout bowler, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul to put India under pressure. However, India’s lower order showed resilience and determination to chip away at England’s lead, setting up an intriguing battle as the match progressed.
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