Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history on Saturday, equaling the legendary Shane Warne’s record for the most five-wicket hauls in the format. With his 37th five-for on day four of the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Ashwin now stands only behind the unparalleled Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record with a staggering 67 five-wicket hauls. Ashwin reached this landmark in 191 innings, showcasing his unwavering consistency and dominance in the longest format of the game.
Earlier in the match, Ashwin had played a crucial role in rescuing India from a precarious situation with a magnificent century, his sixth in Test cricket. This remarkable feat, combined with his five-wicket haul, placed him just behind former England all-rounder Ian Botham in the record books for most instances of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same Test. Ashwin has achieved this incredible double on four occasions, highlighting his extraordinary all-round abilities.
His all-round brilliance culminated in bowling figures of 6 for 88, spearheading India’s dominant 280-run victory in the first Test. Ashwin’s remarkable achievement and his crucial contributions to India’s success cemented his status as a true cricketing legend, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Test cricket.
