IND vs WI 1st Test, Ravichandran Ashwin Dominates West Indies, Joins Elite Club
Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Exclusive Club: Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his mastery in the 1st Test against the West Indies, joining the ranks of legendary spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. The match’s opening day belonged entirely to Ashwin, as he bamboozled the opposition with his spin bowling, leading to the West Indies being bundled out for a mere 150 runs. The Indian spinner’s remarkable performance included five wickets in the first innings, securing his position in a special club.
Ashwin’s Remarkable Feat
During the first innings of the Test match against the West Indies, Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Exclusive Club became part of an illustrious group by claiming five wickets. In the second session of the opening day, he astounded the spectators by taking four wickets for just 49 runs.
With this outstanding performance, Ashwin became the third Indian bowler to reach the remarkable milestone of 700 wickets. Now, he stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
Ashwin became the third Indian bowler to take 700 wickets
Anil Kumble | 956 |
Harbhajan Singh | 711 |
Ravichandran Ashwin | 702 |
Ashwin’s Latest Triumph
Ashwin’s significant achievement in the match was dismissing Alzarri Joseph in the 53rd over of the West Indies innings. This wicket marked his 700th in his illustrious cricketing career. Anil Kumble, with 956 wickets, and Harbhajan Singh, with 711 wickets, are the only two bowlers from India who have achieved greater success in terms of wickets taken.
Victims of Ashwin’s Mastery
In the ongoing first Test at Windsor Park, Ravichandran Ashwin started his bowling campaign impressively, claiming his first victim by dismissing Tejnarine Chanderpaul. He continued his dominance by sending the West Indies’ team captain, Craig Brathwaite (20), back to the pavilion as his second scalp.
Alzarri Joseph’s dismissal (04) marked Ashwin’s third wicket and his monumental 700th wicket overall. The fourth wicket fell when Alik Athanaj (47) departed, courtesy of Ashwin’s precision. Eventually, Ashwin secured his fifth wicket by dismissing Jomel Warrican, resulting in the entire West Indies team being all-out for 150 runs.
West Indies’ Struggles at the Crease
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the West Indies encountered a disastrous start. Both openers were back in the pavilion with just 38 runs on the board. None of the batsmen could withstand Ashwin’s spin, and even Alyque Athanaj, who attempted to stabilize the innings, could only manage to score 47 runs. Not a single West Indies batsman surpassed the 20-run mark.
Apart from Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja showcased his excellent bowling skills by taking three wickets in the first innings. Chasing a target of 150 runs, the Indian team had a solid start, reaching 80 runs without losing a wicket. Captain Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 30 runs, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an impressive 40 runs.