India host Bangladesh for the first test of the two match series in Chennai…and boy, was it eventful! India collapsed to 144/6 in the first innings before making a stunning comeback to end the day at 339/6. Bangladesh bowlers were left in shock watching their early efforts go to waste. All thanks to the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Jadeja scored 86 (not out) while Ashwin scored 102 (not out) to brink India back from the brink. This is the sixth test century in Test cricket for the Chennai born off-spinner. This is hardly the first time he has come clutch when his team needed a lower order batsman to save the innings.
Ashwin started his test career for India in 2011 against West Indies and has since been a regular for the country in the format. The player has multiple records to his name and doesn’t seem to be slowing down even at the age of 38.
Here are 5 reasons why Ashwin is the GOAT test spinner:
- Fastest to 350 wickets – The off-spinner achieved this landmark feat in 2019 against South Africa in Vishakapatnam. His variations and brilliant analytical mind have helped him bamboozle batsmen over the years.
- Fifth cricketer to pick up multiple five-wicket hauls and test hundred in the same venue – With his second hundred at Chepauk, he joins the halls decorated by greats like Gary Sobers (Headingley), Kapil Dev (Chennai), Chris Cairns (Auckland), and Ian Botham (Headingley).
- First cricketer to 20 fifty-plus scores and pick 30 plus five-wicket hauls in Tests.
- Second most hundreds at No.8 or below in Test cricket, only behind New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori.
- 516 wickets in just 101 matches with a bowling average of 23.75. He is the second fastest to take 500 wickets and the fastest Indian bowler.
While it is obvious that Ashwin might not be the fastest at all the record in his career, what sets him apart is his ability to set the tone with the bat when the top and middle order flounder. He has that unique ability to rescue his team from any scenario.
Need wickets – Pick Ashwin
Need runs – Pick Ashwin
And he is not even considered as an all rounder!
Ashwin is the GOAT test player for India. He also happens to be a great analyst. It has nothing to do with what he has achieved today. But I just felt like I needed to say it.
