Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about picking 500 wickets in Test cricket during the ongoing third Test against England. He dedicated his special feat to his father, saying that his father has been with him through thick and thin.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday (February 16) wrote history by becoming the second Indian bowler to claim 500 Test wickets. Offside eliminated Zak Crawley during Day 2 of the second innings and completed a special milestone in his career.

Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the feat in 98 Test matches, which is the fastest by any bowler in the history of the game. He became the ninth bowler to complete 500 Test wickets. In terms of Indian bowlers, he is only ahead of Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets to his name in the longest format of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been an incredible servant to the Indian cricket team in Test cricket. The 500 wickets have been a testament to his hard work and the kind of performances he has put in for the team in this format since the last decade.

Ravichandran Ashwin, while highlighting his long journey, pointed out how his father has supported him at every stage of life. He also spoke about England’s attacking approach, saying that he has made them think a lot. In statements to the stations, he explained:

“It has been quite a long journey. First of all I would like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin, he probably had a heart attack every time he saw me play. His health has probably been affected because of that.

“England are showing a lot of intent, playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game. Since we have a lot to think about, we have to keep doing what we are doing and hope that something works out.”

I think the game is on the line – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin further, while talking about England’s approach, said that the surfaces have allowed the batsmen to take time over the three days. He talked about the course and said it’s going to get tough on Day 5 and all they need to do is exercise discipline.

Ravichandran Ashwin believes the game is balanced. He admitted that England are putting pressure on them and that they need to keep their composure and stay in the game. He elaborated:

“The surfaces we have played on in this series have given the batsmen time over the first three days. Expect this pitch to get tough on Day 5. We need to exercise discipline, England have been in those positions before. I think the game is at stake, they are putting pressure on us, but it is important that we maintain our composure and stay in the game.”

After England ended India’s innings with 445 runs, they were off to a brutal start. Ben Duckett (133*) scored a blistering century and put the team in a dominant position. On Day 2, England were 207/2 and are just 238 runs away.