Ravichandran Ashwin is second-quickest bowler to 500 wickets in Test history, behind Muttiah Muralitharan, who tops overall list with 800 wickets; follow over-by-over text commentary from third Test between India and England, live on skysports.com and Sky Sports App
Friday 16 February 2024 12:56, UK
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin became the ninth bowler to take 500 wickets in the history of Test cricket as he dismissed England opener Zak Crawley on day two of the third Test in Rajkot.
Ashwin is the second-quickest to the 500 mark in Test history, his 98 matches bettered only by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (87), who tops the overall list with 800 wickets.
Ashwin is the second India bowler to reach the milestone, following in the footsteps of legendary spinner Anil Kumble (619).
The 37-year-old off-spinner's 500th wicket came in his second over of England's first innings as the visitors made a rapid start in their reply to India's 445 all out.
Ben Duckett smashed an 88-ball hundred - the fastest by an Englishman in India - as Ben Stokes' side closed day two on 207-2, trailing by 238 runs.
Duckett and Zak Crawley (15) shared in an 84-run opening partnership inside 13 overs before Ashwin dismissed the latter, while Ollie Pope (39) added 93 with Duckett for the second wicket before falling lbw to Mohammed Siraj late in the day.
Earlier on day two in Rajkot, England seamer James Anderson moved to within four of reaching 700 Test wickets as he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav in the morning session.
After taking his 500th wicket, Ashwin said: "It has been quite a long journey.
"I'd like to dedicate the 500th wicket to my father. He has been through the thick and thin of everything I've been through in my life... he has been a constant support for me.
"500 wickets is done and dusted now. We've got a game hanging in the balance."
He added: "The way England are playing, they're showing a lot of intent, playing how they would if it was probably a T20 or one-day game.
"We just need to hang in there... England have found themselves in situations such as this at other times in the series and we've found a way to claw our way back into the match.
"The game is hanging in the balance. A good spell in the morning and we could start dominating the game again.
"They are putting us under pressure but it's important not to react to that pressure."
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