India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who made a comeback in the Indian squad after almost three months due to BCCI’s rotation policy, is set to add another feather to his cap. Ashwin needs just 8 more wickets to break former Australian speedster Dennis Lillee’s record and become the fastest bowler to pick 300 wickets in Test cricket.
Ashwin, who was overlooked for three consecutive limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand, has so far picked up 292 wickets in 52 matches he played since his debut against West Indies in 2011. On the other hand, Dennis Lillee picked up 355 wickets in his career spanning 70 Test matches. Lillee claimed his 300th wicket in his 56th Test match. He is currently at the top position in fastest to pick 300 wickets in Tests. He is followed by Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan who picked 300 wickets in 58 games and Richard Hadlee in 61 matches.
Interestingly, the record of fastest to 300 wickets by an Indian is held by former spin legend Anil Kumble who achieved the feat in his 66th Test.
HERE’s THE LIST:
|
Players |
Matches |
Opposition |
|
Dennis Lillee (AUS) |
56 |
Pakistan |
|
M Muralitharan (SL) |
58 |
SouthAfrica |
|
R Hadlee (NZ) |
61 |
Australia |
|
M Marshal (WI) |
61 |
Australia |
|
D Steyn (SA) |
61 |
New Zealand |
Meanwhile, Ashwin was seen practising wrong ‘uns during the net session ahead of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The first Test match will start from November 16.
During this tour, Sri Lanka will play three Test matches, three One Day Internationals and as many T20Is against India.
Earlier, Chandimal and Co were blanked 9-0 across all formats by India in their own backyard in August this year.
