Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin scripted history on Friday at the Rajkot Stadium against England as his dismissal of opener Zak Crawley brought up his 500th Test scalp. He became the second Indian bowler to reach the milestone after the legendary Anil Kumble.
India were bundled out for 445 runs on Day 2 of the third Test of the five-match series against touring England before Ashwin picked up his landmark wicket.
“It’s been quite a long journey,” the spinner from Tamil Nadu began.
Ashwin conveyed his message of gratitude to his father, who has been with him every step of the way.
“Firstly I’d like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin and probably had a heart attack every time he’s watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that,” he jested.
Despite the early wicket of Crawley, England managed to put up 207 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets at stumps on the second day of the Test thanks to an unbeaten Ben Duckett century.
Ashwin credited the English intent and opined that the hosts have to stick to what they do best and keep at it. He also added that he expects the playing surface to get hard on the final day of the Test.
“England are showing a lot of intent, playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game. That has given us a lot to think about, and we have to keep doing what we’re doing and hope that one goes to hand,” the spinner said.
“The surfaces we’ve played on in this series have allowed the batters time on the first three days and we expect this pitch to get hard on Day 5,” Ashwin opined.
“We need to exercise discipline, England have been in such positions before. I think the game is in the balance, they’re putting us under pressure but it’s important we stay composed and stay in the game,” the 37-year-old concluded.
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