Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon congratulated his India counterpart R Ashwin on completing 500 Test wickets in a video he posted on social media. Ashwin achieved the feat in the ongoing third Test between India and England in Rajkot.

Ashwin needed one wicket to achieve 500 before the start of the third Test, and he did so in England's first innings, dismissing Zak Crawley for 15 runs. Zak Crawley was attempting a sweep from the outside leg when he slid to the top edge. Rajat Patidar took a simple catch at square leg running backwards.

He became only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to reach 500 Test wickets. However, he is the second-fastest bowler to the landmark, both in terms of matches and balls bowled.

Overall, Ashwin has taken 25715 balls, next only to the legendary Glenn McGrath who required 25528. The 37-year-old is also the second fastest to take 500 wickets in the history of Test cricket.

IND v ENG 2024: Cricket fraternity congratulates R Ashwin for completing 500 Test wickets

There has been a healthy rivalry between Ashwin and Nathan Lyon, both of them being the two leading right-arm finger spinners in the world today. Both made their Test debuts in 2011. Lyon also completed his 500 Test wickets recently in the Test series against Pakistan at home.

Lyon has 517 wickets in 127 Tests for Australia with a best of 8/50 and 13/154 with a strike rate of 62.7 and an average of 30.73.

Nathan Lyon posted a video on his X account and said: “Hi Ash, just want to say a massive congratulations on taking 500 Test match wickets. It has been an incredible journey to watch. I have nothing but respect for you the way you’ve gone about it and your skill level. It has been amazing to be competing against you but also learn from you. So, mate, congratulations and plenty more to come.”