Bhubaneswar: Ravichandran Ashwin took six wickets in the first innings against Australia in the fourth Test which is currently on at Ahmedabad. It was mainly due to Ashwin’s efforts that Australia were bowled out for 480 after being well-placed at 378 for the loss of four wickets.
While taking the six wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin created another hew record in Tests between India and Australia. Ashwin now has 113 wickets in his kitty for Tests between the two countries. The earlier record belonged to the legendary Anil Kumble who had taken 111 wickets in Test series between India and Australia. Ashwin now has emerged as the highest wicket-taker for India against Australia. The Indian off-spinner also has the chance to increase the tally if Australia bat in the second innings.
However, as far as bowlers who have taken the maximum number of wickets in Tests between the two countries, Ashwin is jointly sharing the record with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon. The latter has also dismissed 113 Indian batters and he also has a chance to add to the tally during India’s innings.
Ashwin’s achievement has earned praise from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. He wrote on Twitter: “Great to see Ashwin bowl on a good pitch… class will always show…”
However, at present, it looks that Lyon and Ashwin are involved in a keen contest. Both are in their mid-30s and in the twilight of their careers. So it will be interesting to see who ultimately holds the record singularly. Lyon has the advantage as he would be bowling to Indian batters on a track which is deteriorating slowly.