Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, is set to resume his international season with the Test series against Bangladesh. With 516 wickets to his name, Ashwin has been a standout bowler, particularly effective in home conditions over the past few years. As he prepares for the upcoming series, Ashwin is on the brink of surpassing some of the most illustrious names in cricket history, including Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Stellar Career
Ashwin’s journey in Test cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his debut, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances, making him one of the most reliable bowlers for India. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his vast repertoire of deliveries have made him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.
- Total Wickets: 516 in 100 Test matches
- Home Wickets: 363
- Recent Form: 109 wickets at home since 2021
The Records in Sight
As Ashwin gears up for the Bangladesh series, he is eyeing several significant milestones. Currently, he stands at 516 wickets, placing him ninth on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers. Ahead of him are legends like Courtney Walsh (519), Nathan Lyon (530), and Glenn McGrath (563).
Glenn McGrath’s Record
Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, is renowned for his precision and consistency. With 563 wickets, McGrath is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, with his current form, has a realistic chance of surpassing McGrath’s tally in the near future. Achieving this milestone would place Ashwin among the top five wicket-takers of all time, a testament to his skill and longevity in the game.
Nathan Lyon’s Record
Nathan Lyon, another Australian great, has been a dominant force in Test cricket, particularly in home conditions. Lyon’s tally of 530 wickets makes him the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, with 516 wickets, is just 14 wickets shy of Lyon’s record. Given his recent form and the upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Ashwin is well-positioned to surpass Lyon’s tally, potentially even before the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Nathan Lyon showers praise on his counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the BGT series between Australia and India.#NathanLyon #RAshwin #BGT #AUSvIND #Tests #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rHXqknr8HV
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) September 6, 2024
The Road Ahead
Beyond the immediate goal of surpassing McGrath and Lyon, Ashwin’s focus will also be on maintaining his form and fitness for the long haul. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to begin in November, will be a significant test for Ashwin. Playing in Australia, against a strong batting lineup, will require him to be at his best. However, with his current form and the support of a strong bowling unit, Ashwin is well-equipped to take on this challenge.
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