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In the picturesque setting of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow found themselves in a historic moment, marking their 100༺th Test𒁃 match.
This fifth and final Test of the series between India and England may be a dead rubber in terms of the series outcome, with India already securing a 3-1 lead, but it holds immense significance for the individualไ journeys of Ashwin and Bairstow.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s prowess and records
Ashwin, a linchpin in the Indian Test side, has accumulated 507 wickets in 99 Tests, along with notable contributions in ODIs and T20Is. His Test statistics boast an impressive average of 23.91, featuring 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls. Throughout his career, Ashwin has rewritten records, surpassing legends like Anil Kumble to become India’s leading wicket-ജtaker in home Tests.
Jonny Bairstow’s batting brilliance
Bairstow, donning the English cap for the 100th time, becomes the 17th Englishman to achieve this monumental feat. Prior to the Dharamsala Test, Bairstow has showcased his batting prowess with 5,974 runs at an average of 36.42, including 132 centuries and 26 fifties. As he steps into the centenary Test, Bairstow’s contribution to English cricket is duly celebrated.
Also READ: IND vꦓs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin receives his 100th Test cap from coach Rahul Dravid and guard o𝄹f honour from teammates
Cricket fraternity’s wishes and Sachin Tendulkar’s special mention
As Ashwin and Bairstow reach this significant milestone, cricket legends, including the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, extend their heartfelt wishes. Tendulkar, the pioneer in playing the 200 Test matches, conveyed his best wishes through a special congratulatory post on social meꦉdia.
The cricketing community joined in to celebrate Ashwin and Bairstow’s remarkable achievement.
It's a historic day in Dharamsala as and don the international whites for the 100th time. An incredible achievement that speaks volumes about their passion and perseverance for red-ball cricket. I wish them both a fantastic game ahead!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)
Salute this morning to and . Playing a 100 tests is remarkable. Ashwin is the second fastest to 500 test wickets, has taken more wickets in India than anꦯyone else . But beyond the stats, he has exemplified the fighting spirit of Indian cricket: rec🌱all…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep)
Congratulations on your 💯 tests. A fantastic achiev✅em🌺ent. Go well!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074)
Congratulations ash for the milestone. Wishing you and your family all the success. It’s been an incredible🌊 journey so far!
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha)
A remarkable achievement by a remarkable cricketer. 100 Tests is a tribute to Ashwin's passion, hunger, drive, pursuit of excellence and great endurance. To keep striving to get better is the hallmark of a true champion.
Go well, Ash, have a wonderful game— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
A perennial student of the game who's unafraid to go against convention. Has love and respect for the game, and is a true cricket fan. Could probably be last of his craft to play 100 Tests. Very big shoes to fill when he calls it a day, so celebrate him till he's there.
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
Many many congratulations on the 100th Test.
A learner and a match-winner with great hunger to do well and keep on improvising as he plays more.
Go well , Ashwin and may you enjoy the time ahead evཧen more.— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad)
What a proud feeling 💯to be repre🐠senting in 100 tests! Go well 🇮🇳
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath)
Huge congrats to on his 100th Test match for England! He epitomises the 🦁🦁🦁 spirit with 🧜pride & passion. A stellar multi-format batter mastering the ABC of batting: ABSORBING, ꦕBELLIGERENT, CLASS. Celebrating at the Himalayas where he won his 100th ODI. 🏏
— Danny Reuben (@dannyreuben)
After this stadium in Dharamsala in the Himalayas is an absol♛ute wow 🥰 🏔️
Thousands of 🏴 fans here today cheer on ⭕
We win toss and bat. 💯 🎺 🏏
— Simon Dudley (@MrSimonDudley)
Backꦉed by the family and the entire nation whistli🍬ng! 🥳
Go well, Ash! 💯🔥 🦁
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
You know ༒what Jonny is like, 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧꧒𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐮��. 🥺
The boy who wrote his own story through hardships and dete🦹rmination. 👏
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
Dharamsala Test: Changes and England’s decision
In the ongoing Dharamsala Test, the Indian team implemented two changes in their playing XI. Devdutt Padikkal, making his debut, replaced the injured Rajat Patidar, becoming the fifth Indian debutant. Furthermore, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, returned to the lineup, taking the place of Akash Deep. The England skipper, Ben Stokes, won the toss and confidently opted t☂o bat first.
