Ravichandran Ashwin, the star India off-spinner, became the second-fastest bowler to achieve the milestone of 500 Test wickets when he got the wicket of Zak Crawley in the IND vs ENG third Test match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Friday (February 16). Ashwin was the second quicket both in terms balls bowled and matches played to reach the milestone. The 37-year-old took 25,714 deliveries in the game's purest format to get to the milestone and is only behin the great Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath who had taken 25,528 balls to get to 100 Test wickets.
In terms of matches played too, Ashwin got to the landmark second quickest and is only behind legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. The Indian spin veteran entered the 500-wicket club in what was his 98th Test match compared to Muralitharan who took 87 matches to get to that number. After the end of the day's play in which Ashwin got to the landmark, he dedicated his achievement to his father.
"I would like to dedicate this to my father, he's responsible for everything I've done in my life. He's lived it through, had heart-attacks every time I've played. I think his health has gone for a toss because he's watched games of mine on TV and been a constant support for me," Ashwin said.
"I'm sure he will be very happy today. But yeah, 500 wickets done and dusted now, and we've got a game hanging in the balance," he added.
IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 2: Ben Duckett's 88-Ball 100 Leaves Game Wide Open
Meanwhile, the Ben Duckett's fastest Test Hundred by an Englishman against India, a record-shattering innnings in which got to the 100-run mark off 88 ball, has left the game wide open. Duckett's ton came after India has posted 445 in the first innings after opting to bat first. Riding on Duckett's 133* off 118, England finished Day 2 at 207/2, still trailing India by 238 runs. Duckett will have Joe Root (9*) for company when play begins on Day 3.