India made significant strides on the fourth day of play, securing two crucial wickets against England. Ravichandran Ashwin, in particular, left an indelible mark in cricket history by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests against England, surpassing the legendary Bhagwat Chandrasekhar. The highlight of the day was Ashwin’s dismissal of Ollie Pope, England’s vice-captain and hero of the first Test. Pope, known for his attacking style, fell victim to Ashwin’s crafty bowling, attempting a cut shot only to edge the ball.
Rohit Sharma, at first slip, showcased his agility with a sharp catch, removing the potent English batsman for 23 runs off 21 balls. This wicket held particular significance for India, considering Ollie Pope’s stellar performance in the previous Test, where he scored an impressive 196 in the second innings. His aggressive style posed a threat to India’s chances, making his dismissal a crucial breakthrough.
Sharp Reflexes edition, ft. captain Rohit Sharma! 👌 👌
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s achievement extended beyond Pope’s wicket; he now holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler against England in Test cricket. Surpassing Chandrasekhar’s tally of 95 wickets, Ashwin’s feat adds another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career. The off-spinner achieved this milestone during the second Test at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
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Despite falling short of breakthroughs in the first innings, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his resilience by claiming Ben Duckett’s wicket in the second innings. The second session on Day 4 saw him dismiss Ollie Pope, solidifying his status as a vital component of the Indian bowling attack.
James Anderson, England’s veteran pacer, currently leads the list of leading wicket-takers in Test matches between India and England. However, Ashwin’s consistent performances over 36 Tests, accumulating 144 wickets with an economy rate of 2.69, underscore his immense contribution to the team.
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Beyond his bowling prowess, Ashwin has also demonstrated his batting skills, contributing significantly with the bat. In 2021, he notched up a century against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ashwin’s multifaceted abilities make him a key asset for the Indian team, and his record-breaking achievement against England further solidifies his place in cricketing history.
