Ravichandran Ashwin completes historic milestone of 500 Test wickets in 3rd Test vs England

India’s star cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the first player to take 500 Test wickets on Day 2 of the thrilling, action-packed 3rd Test between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Saurashtra on February 16. Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin, leading India’s bowling attack on Friday, gave his team the breakthrough when he got rid of English cricketer Zak Crawley in the third session of play.

Notably, India’s all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to reach the milestone. With 25715 balls taken overall, Ashwin is just second to the great Glenn McGrath, who took 25528. The Chennai-born cricketer overtook Anil Kumble, who required 105 matches, by achieving his highest point in just his 98th Test match.

The Rajasthan Royals bowler took his second wicket of the second England innings in the most recent Test match by dismissing Ollie Pope of England. However, with the crucial victory, Ravichandran Ashwin also surpassed BS Chandrasekhar to take the most wickets for India in Test cricket matches against England.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin took his 500th wicket, his tenth in this series. However, in the first Test in Hyderabad, he took 3 for 68 and 3 for 126, while in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, he collected 0 for 61 and 3 for 72. In addition, the star spinner will be looking to get some more wickets to help India keep in the dominant position in the first innings of the game.

However, it’s noteworthy to note that the 37-year-old achieved the milestone second fastest, just surpassing Muttiah Muralitharan, who finished his Test career with 800 wickets. Meanwhile, in the longest format of the game, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon, Courtney Walsh, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad are the other bowlers who have reached this exceptional milestone.

Here is the list of the fastest to 500 Test wickets:

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) in 87 matches
2. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) in 98 matches
3. Anil Kumble (India) in 105 matches
4. Shane Warne (Australia) in 108 matches
5. Glenn McGrath (Australia) in 110 matches
6. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) in 129 matches
7. James Anderson    (England) in 129 matches
8. Stuart Broad (England) in 140 matches