In a testament to his unparalleled skill and determination, Indian cricket maestro Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by claiming his 500th wicket during the third Test against England in Rajkot. The 37-year-old off-spinner joined an elite club of just nine bowlers to achieve this remarkable feat, standing proudly as only the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble.

Journey amidst turbulence: A family emergency

Ashwin’s moment of glory unfolded in the first innings of the third Test when he dismissed Zak Crawley, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. However, celebrations were put on hold as the off-spinner had to abruptly leave the game ahead of the Day 3’s play due to a family emergency.

Resilience personified: Returning to the field

Amidst the turbulent times, Ashwin displayed exceptional resilience and commitment by swiftly returning to the field on Day 4, where he not only resumed his bowling duties but also scalped an wicket of Tom Hartley during his six-over spell, conceding a mere 19 runs. Not only did he contri??bute with the ball but he also exhibited professionalism and dedicatio??n to his team.

Also READ: Here’s how Ravichandran Ashwin’s mother shaped him into a cham??pion spinner

Prithi Narayanan’s heartfelt tribute for Ravichandran Ashwin

Off the field, Ashwin’s wife, Prithi Narayanan, poured her emotions into a heartfelt Instagram post, acknowledging the challenging circumstances the couple navigated over the past few days. In the post, Prithi celebrated her husband’s monumental achievement while highlighting the sacrifices made and the resilience shown during trying times.

“We chased the 500 to Hyderabad, it didn’t happen. To Vizag, it didn’t happen. So I just bought a ton of sweets and gave it to everyone at home at 499. 500 came and went quietly. Till it didn’t. A lot happened between 500 and 501. Longest 48 hours of our lives. But this is about the 500. And the 499 before that. What a phenomenal achievement. What a phenomenal guy. I am insanely proud of you Ravi Ashwin. We love you!” Prithi wrote on Instagram.

Rohit Sharma’s acknowledgment of professionalism

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, in a post-match press conference, also showered praise on the veteran off-spinner. Sharma’s commendation centered around Ashwin’s exceptional professionalism, particularly in the face of a family emergency that necessitated his swift return to Chennai.

“When you lose your most experienced bowler in the middle of a Test match, it’s not easy. But everything aside, family comes first. And when we heard the news, there were no second thoughts in our minds that he should do what he felt was right. He wanted to be with the family, which was absolutely the right thing to do. It was good for him and to make a way and be a part of the team shows the character and the kind of person he is. We were happy to have him back,” Rohit said.

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In a historic feat on Friday, February 16, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in cricketing glory by becoming the second Indian bowler and ninth overall to reach 500 wickets in Test cricket. The momentous achievement unfolded during the ongoing third Test in Rajkot against England, as Ashwin dismissed opener Zak Crawley for 15 on Day 2.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Second fastest to 500 Test wickets mark

Not only did Ashwin enter the elite 500-wicket club, but he also claimed the title of the second fastest bowler to achieve this milestone. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer accomplished this remarkable feat in his 98th Test, spanning 184 innings, positioning him just behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (87 matches) in terms of speed.

Also READ: Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of ba?lls; Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 2

Transformation into a spin maestro

Ashwin’s cricketing journey is characterized by versatility, as he initially started his career as a medium pacer. In a revealing interview with the Indian Express, Ashwin’s father shed light on the cricketer’s transition from pace to spin bowling, emphasizing the crucial role played by Ashwin’s mother in this pivotal shift.

‘The biggest turning point in Ashwin’s career was when he switched to bowling off-spin. And I must thank my wife Chitra for that decision. Those days Ashwin had wheezing and he also had an issue with his knee. So to do all the running (as a medium pacer) was proving to be a challenge. It was Chitra who said, ‘Why should you run so much? Just take a few steps and bowl spin,” Ashwin’s father said.

Unforeseen withdrawal from the Rajkot Test

Despite the jubilation surrounding Ashwin’s historic achievement, a somber note emerged as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement on Friday night. The statement disclosed Ashwin’s withdrawal from the ongoing Rajkot Test due to a family emergency. Consequently, the 37-year-old spinner will not be participating further in the match, with Devdutt Padikkal stepping in as a substitute fielder.

Also READ: IND vs ENG: What does the MCC rule suggest on potential replacement of?? Ravichandran Ashwin in Rajkot Test?

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Test cricket, the game’s purest form, has witnessed some extraordinary talents who have left an indelible mark on the sport. One of the most coveted achievements for a bowler is joining the elite club of players with 500 or more wickets in the longest format of game. The illustrious list comprises legends who have showcased their skill, resilience, and consistency over the years.

Players with 500 or more scalps in red-ball cricket:

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 800 Wickets

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, tops the list with 800 wickets in 133 Test matches. His unorthodox bowling action and ability to spin the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Muralitharan’s record remains unbroken as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

2. Shane Warne (Australia): 708 Wickets

The Australian spin stalwart, Shane Warne, stands second, with 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Renowned for his ??leg-spin variations, Warne mesmerized fans with his artistry on the cricket field. His ability to deliver on crucial occasion??s makes him one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game.

3. James Anderson (England): 690 Wickets

James Anderson, the veteran English pacer, holds the third position with 690 wickets in 183 Test matches. Known for his exceptional swing and seam bowling, Anderson has been a linchpin of the English ??bowling attack in Test Cricket for more than a decade. His longevity a??nd skill make him a modern-day great.

4. Anil Kumble (India): 619 Wickets

Anil Kumble, the legendary Indian leg-spinner, is the only representative from India in this elite list. With 619 wickets in 132 Test matches, Kumble’s ability to extract bounce and turn from any pitch made him a formidable force. His contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated and revered.

5. Stuart Broad (England): 604 Wickets

Stuart Broad, another English seamer, secures the fifth spot with 604 wickets in 167 Test matches. Broad’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs has played a pivotal role in England’s success.

6. Glenn McGrath (Australia): 563 Wickets

Glenn McGrath, t??he Australian pace legend, claimed 563 wickets in 124 Test matches. Known for his accuracy and rel??entless line and length, McGrath was a constant threat to opposition batters. His remarkable career and contribution to the Aussie dominance in the early 2000s are etched in cricketing history.

7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies): 519 Wickets

The West Indies pace icon, Courtney Walsh, took 519 wickets in 132 Test matches. As the only Caribbean representative in this troupe, Walsh’s lethal pace and bounce made him a nightmare for batters around the globe.

Also READ: Rav?ichandran Ashwin reacts on Nathan Lyon’s 500 Test wickets milestone

8. Nathan Lyon (Australia): 500 Wickets

The latest entry into this exclusive club is off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon achieved the monumental feat of 500 wickets in just 123 Test matches, becoming the third Austra?lian bowler to achieve this milestone. His crafty spin and ability to take crucial wickets have solidified his place among the greats.

Also READ: Australia announce their 13-m?an squad for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan

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