Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble heaped praise on veteran Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of his 100th Test match. Anil Kumble acknowledged Ravichandran Ashwin’s notable achievements and emphasized his pivotal role in India’s match victory.
On Thursday, March 7, Ravichandran Ashwin became the 14th Indian cricketer to represent the country in 100 Test matches. He achieved this remarkable feat when India will take on England in the fifth match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in 2011. Since then, the player has become one of India’s match-winners, especially at home. He also achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets during the third Test at Rajkot.
The 37-year-old has taken 507 wickets at an impressive average of 23.91, with 35 five-fers and eight 10-wicket match hauls. He has the chance to become the fourth bowler, after Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumble, to pick a fifer in a historic match.
Congratulations Ravichandran Ashwin -Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Ravichandran Ashwin as he approaches a major milestone in his cricket career. Kumble urged Ashwin to maintain his stellar performance to ensure wins for the Indian team.
“congratulations on your evidence @ashwinravi99 Proud of all your achievements. Continue winning matches for India. A champion par excellence! Many more to come,” Kumble wrote.
Congratulations on your 💯 tests. @ashwinravi99 Proud of all your achievements. Continue winning matches for India. A champion par excellence! Many more to come. 👏👏
-Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 7, 2024
After taking his 500th Test wicket, Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave abruptly due to a family medical emergency. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Ashwin surprised many by returning on Day 4 of the Ranchi Test, demonstrating his dedication to the team’s cause.
Ashwin has not been a regular member of India’s XI in overseas matches, where the team usually favors four seamers and one spinner, typically Ravindra Jadeja. However, he has contributed to the Indian cricket team despite not being part of the playing XI in SENA countries.
England opt to bat first in fifth Test match
India began the Test series against England on a disappointing note, suffering a 28-run defeat in the first Test in Hyderabad despite having a substantial first innings lead. However, they bounced back and posted wins in their next three matches to clinch the series victory.
The Rohit Sharma-led team made two changes to their eleven for the final match. Devdutt Padikkal was handed his Test cap, replacing Rajat Patidar in the line-up. Jasprit Bumrah returned to the team after missing the last match, where India won by five wickets in Ranchi.
England, for its part, also made a change in its attack. Mark Wood replaced Ollie Robinson for the final match of the long tour of India. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first in the Dharamshala Test.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes(w), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, James Anderson
Also Read: “I called Cheteshwar Pujara” – Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife Prithi narrates distressing events during the third Test