IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin overhauls Anil Kumble's monumental home record, becomes 5th bowler to complete 350 wickets at home

Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history, ascending to the pinnacle as India's most prolific wicket-taker in Test cricket on home soil. Surpassing the iconic Anil Kumble, Ashwin claimed his 351st scalp in his 59th Test match in India, during the 4th Test against England at the JSCA International Complex in Ranchi. This remarkable achievement unfolded in the post-lunch session on the third day of the match, marking a significant milestone in Ashwin's illustrious career.

Not only did Ashwin surpass Kumble's record, but he also joined the elite circle of bowlers, including Muttiah Muralitharan, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Kumble himself, who have secured 350 or more wickets in Test matches played on their home turf.

Bowlers with most Test wickets at home:

Muttiah Muralitharan achieved 493 wickets across 73 Test matches at home. James Anderson secured 434 wickets in 105 Test appearances in England. Stuart Broad collected 398 wickets from 98 Tests at home. Ashwin has so far amassed 352 wickets through 59 Test matches in India. Anil Kumble took 350 wickets in 63 Tests at home.

Ashwin's journey to this record saw him equal Kumble's tally with the dismissal of Ben Duckett, before moving ahead with Ollie Pope's wicket, who was sent back to the pavilion without scoring. Ashwin then sent England's best batter Joe Root back to the pavilion.

Record-breaking Ashwin continues to excel

Ashwin's record-breaking spree didn't just stop there. Earlier, he had already set a benchmark by becoming the fastest Indian and the second-fastest globally to reach 500 Test wickets. This feat was achieved during the 3rd Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, cementing Ashwin's status as one of cricket's greatest bowlers. He is now among the nine legendary bowlers, a list that features names like Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anderson, Broad, Kumble, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, and Nathan Lyon, all of whom have taken 500 or more wickets in Test cricket.

Moreover, Ashwin's prowess in India-England Test matches is unparalleled. He surpassed BS Chandrasekhar's record to become the leading wicket-taker in Tests between the two nations during the 2nd Test in Visakhapatnam. Subsequently, he became only the second bowler, after Anderson, to claim over 100 wickets in Test encounters between India and England.

Ashwin's impact with the bat

Ashwin's contributions are not limited to his bowling; he has also proven his mettle with the bat. He has scored five Test centuries, with his initial four hundreds against the West Indies and his fifth against England in 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ashwin's dual capabilities have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team, showcasing the depth of his talent and his pivotal role in shaping India's cricketing fortunes.
 

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