Ravichandran Ashwin, India‘s premier off-spinner, showcased his exceptional bowling skills in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The 38-year-old orchestrated a dramatic collapse of the Bangladesh batting line-up, claiming 6 wickets for 88 runs in the second innings. This remarkable feat marked Ashwin’s 37th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats. Bowling on his home turf at Chepauk, Ashwin’s ability to turn the ball and create pressure was evident as he dismantled the opposition, leading India to a commanding 280-run victory.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s impact for India against Bangladesh

In addition to his stellar bowling performance, Ashwin made a significant contribution with the bat during the first innings. He scored a vital century, helping the team reach a total of 376 runs. Despite not taking any wickets in the first innings, his batting prowess was crucial in establishing a strong foundation for India’s innings. Ashwin’s all-round performance was instrumental in the match, as his century complemented his six-wicket haul, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team. His dual impact was key to India’s comprehensive victory, reinforcing his reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in contemporary cricket.

Player of the Match: Ravichandran Ashwin #cricket #INDvBAN #Test #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5NdB72uDII

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 22, 2024

List of significant milestones achieved by Ashwin in the Chennai Test:

1. 37th Five-Wicket Haul in Tests

Ashwin’s 37th five-wicket haul in Test cricket places him in elite company, equaling the legendary Shane Warne‘s tally for the second-most five-wicket hauls in the format. This achievement is a testament to Ashwin’s longevity, consistency, and unmatched skill as a spinner. With this record, Ashwin stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the finest bowlers the game has seen. The only player ahead of him now is Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds an astonishing 67 five-fers. Ashwin’s ability to repeatedly dismantle opposition batting line-ups with such frequency underlines his greatness in Test cricket.

Also READ: Here’s why Muttiah Muralitharan believes his 800 Test wickets record will remain unbroken

2. Most Five-Wicket Hauls in World Test Championship

Ashwin’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) continues to grow, as he claimed his 11th five-wicket haul in the competition. This surpasses Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s tally of 10, making Ashwin the bowler with the most five-fors in WTC history. His performance in these high-pressure matches highlights his crucial role in India’s success in the tournament. Whether playing on home soil or in challenging overseas conditions, Ashwin’s ability to exploit any surface and deliver match-winning spells sets him apart from his peers in the WTC era.

3. India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in the Fourth Innings

Ashwin further cemented his reputation as a match-winner in crunch situations by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in the fourth innings of Test matches. He surpassed the legendary Anil Kumble, who previously held the record with 94 wickets in the fourth innings. Ashwin now has 99 wickets in this phase of the game, reflecting his ability to deliver under pressure when conditions are toughest for bowlers. The fourth innings often demands both patience and craft, and Ashwin’s expertise in navigating these challenges has made him India’s go-to spinner in such critical moments.

4. Crossed Courtney Walsh’s Wicket Tally

In this match, Ashwin added another monumental achievement to his illustrious career by surpassing West Indian legend Courtney Walsh’s total of 519 Test wickets. By reaching 522 wickets, Ashwin now stands as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test history. His ability to consistently perform at such a high level across different eras, conditions, and against diverse batting line-ups is remarkable. Overtaking Walsh, who was one of the most feared fast bowlers in the 1990s, highlights Ashwin’s unique standing as one of the finest spinners of all time, seamlessly transitioning from being a match-winner at home to a threat in overseas conditions.

Ravi Ashwin surpasses Courtney Walsh.

– 50.7 Strike Rate for a spinner is simply insane! 🤯🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/PsqluvMOLD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 22, 2024

5. Second-Most Hundreds at No. 8 or Below

Ashwin’s century in the first innings of this match was his fourth while batting at number 8 or lower in Test cricket, placing him second only to New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, who has five centuries from this position. This record highlights Ashwin’s all-round capabilities and the depth he brings to India’s batting line-up. His ability to contribute vital runs down the order has often rescued India from precarious situations. With both bat and ball, Ashwin has proven himself to be one of the most versatile cricketers in modern times, providing match-winning contributions in multiple facets of the game.

Most test century while batting no 8 or below 👇

5 ____Daniel vettori(new Zealand)
4 ____Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
3 ____Jason Holder (West Indies)#INDvsBANTEST #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/GVQeTHN9Qb

— Utpal Das (@UtfalDas23) September 19, 2024

6. 30 Five-Wicket Hauls and 20+ Fifty-Plus Scores

Ashwin achieved a unique milestone by becoming the only player in Test cricket history to have taken 30 five-wicket hauls and scored 20 or more fifty-plus scores. This rare combination underlines his prowess as an all-rounder and highlights his importance in both disciplines of the game. Not only has he consistently delivered with the ball, but his ability to produce crucial innings with the bat has also made him a game-changer for India. Achieving this feat requires a balance of patience, technique, and skill, all qualities that Ashwin has displayed throughout his stellar Test career.

Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the FIRST ever cricketer to have 20+ fifty+ scores as well as 30+ five-wicket hauls in the history of Test cricket.@ashwinravi99 #INDvBAN

— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@rhitankar8616) September 19, 2024

Also READ: Fans erupt as Ravichandran Ashwin’s 6-fer rips through Bangladesh, guiding India to victory in Chennai Test

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