Ravichandran Ashwin Fulfills Nathan Lyon's Wish, Enters 500-Wicket Club

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon welcomed R Ashwin to the 500-wicket club with a heartwarming video. WATCH

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has extended a warm welcome to Ravinchandran Ashwin as he joins the prestigious 500-wicket club, expressing his admiration in a heartfelt message. Lyon shared a video on his X account, praising the Indian spinner for achieving this remarkable milestone in the ongoing IND vs ENG 3rd Test of the five-match Test series between India and England.

Ashwin, now the ninth bowler to reach the 500-wicket landmark after legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, and Lyon himself, accomplished this feat on Day 2 of India's third Test against England in Rajkot by dismissing the England opener Zak Crawley on February 16 (Friday).

Lyon himself achieved the noteworthy milestone of 500 Test wickets during the recent Perth Test against Pakistan in December last year and was congratulated by Ashwin on X. " 8th bowler and only the 2nd off spinner in history to pick 500 test wickets. @NathLyon421 congrats mate,' posted Ashwin for Lyon. Australian spinner replied to Ashwin saying, "Really appreciated @ashwinravi99 Can’t wait to watch you hit the same milestone."

'Got Nothing But Respect'

Now, expressing deep respect for Ashwin, Lyon commended the Indian spinner's 13-year-long role as a stalwart in the Indian bowling attack. Lyon acknowledged the learning experience and competition he has had against Ashwin, conveying congratulations and anticipating many more achievements.

“Hi Ash, just wanted to say, massive congratulations for taking 500 Test match wickets. It’s been an incredible journey to watch. I have got nothing but respect for the way you have gone about it. It’s been amazing to be competing against you, but also learn from you. Congratulations and plenty more to come,” Lyon said in the video.

Here’s The Video:

Several cricketers from the global cricketing community took to social media to express their admiration for the Indian spinner upon reaching this remarkable milestone.

Here Are A Few Notable Reactions:

 

Ashwin's feat also places him in the elite company of Stuart Broad and Shane Warne as the third cricketer to achieve both 3000-plus runs and 500-plus wickets in Test cricket. He holds the distinction of being the fastest Indian to reach 500 wickets, surpassing the long-standing record held by Anil Kumble for 18 years. Additionally, Ashwin is the second-fastest, following Muttiah Muralitharan, to attain the landmark of 500 Test wickets since his debut in November 2011, showcasing consistent growth and excellence.