Mumbai, First Published Nov 30, 2021, 4:23 PM IST
Mumbai: R Ashwin became the third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket yesterday. Ashwin’s victory came after he dropped Tom Latham in the first Test against New Zealand (INDvNZ). Ashwin overtook Harbhajan Singh by 417 wickets. Ashwin, who took three wickets in the second innings, now has 419 wickets in Tests. Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434) are leading the way for Ashwin.
Coach Dravid did not forget to congratulate Ashwin for beating Harbhajan. Dravid says Ashwin’s performance is outstanding. “It simply came to our notice then. Harbhajan Singh is a great player. I played cricket with him for years. He is a great bowler. It is unbelievable that he has surpassed Harbhajan in just 80 Tests. Ashwin did it. Definitely commendable, ”Dravid said.
Dravid was also vocal about Ashwin’s bowling. “Ashwin is one of India’s match winners. It was difficult to bowl on the pitch in Kanpur. But on the third day, in the first session itself, Ashwin favored things. That too during the 11 overs spoof. ” Dravid continued.
Ashwin has achieved this feat in 80 Tests. Harbhajan had to play 23 more Tests than Ashwin to reach 417. Before the start of the Kanpur Test, Ashwin needed five wickets to overtake Harbhajan. Ashwin overtook Harbhajan by six wickets against New Zealand.
Ashwin became the third Indian bowler to take a Test wicket and set another record. Ashwin has become the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket against New Zealand. Ashwin is second only to Bishan Singh Bedi who has taken 57 wickets.
The Kiwis’ record for most wickets in an India-New Zealand Test is held by legend Richard Hadley. Hadley took 65 wickets against India. Ashwin needs 9 more wickets to break Hadley’s record.
Last Updated Nov 30, 2021, 4:23 PM IST
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