Ravichandran Ashwin became just the 14th Indian cricketer to play 100 Test matches when he walked out for his side in the fifth and final Test against England at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala on Thursday (March 7).
Ahead of the match, the veteran spinner was facilitated by head coach Rahul Dravid with the whole team and Ashwin's family there to celebrate the special moment with him.
Having made his Test debut in 2011, Ashwin played a significant role in India’s success over the last one decade, especially at home. He surpassed the legendary Anil Kumble to become India’s leading wicket-taker in home Tests, while also breaching the 350-wicket mark in Tests at home in the ongoing series against England.
During the third Test in Rajkot, Ashwin became the ninth bowler overall and only the second Indian after Kumble to achieve the milestone of 500 Test wickets. In 99 Tests so far, he has claimed 507 wickets at a remarkable average of 23.91.
Ashwin made a vital contribution in India’s series-clinching five-wicket victory over England in the penultimate Test match in Ranchi.
After India conceded a lead of 46 runs in the first innings, he produced a remarkable spell to bring the hosts back into the contest. The off-spinner returned with a five-wicket haul (5/51), his 35th in Test cricket, as India bundled out England for a paltry 145 to set themselves a target of 192 runs.
As Ashwin joined an elite list of players with his 100th appearance in the longest format, congratulatory messages and best wishes poured in for him from the Indian cricket fraternity.
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