In a display of cricketing excellence, India’s premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, made headlines once again by reaching an extraordinary landmark in his already stellar career. During the intense on-field action of the first session on day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Ashwin claimed his 100th Test wicket against England, an impressive achievement that etched his name into the annals of cricket history.
Ashwin, well-known for his tactical acumen and spinning prowess, achieved this momentous feat by dismissing key England batsman Jonny Bairstow. With a well-calculated maneuver coming around the stumps, he outfoxed the batsman and secured the leg-before-wicket (LBW) decision, ensuring his position as the first Indian to claim 100 Test wickets against the storied English side. This record-breaking wicket propelled Ashwin beyond the previous Indian record-holder, the legendary Bhagwath Subramanya Chandrasekhar, who was the leading wicket-taker against England in Test cricket.
The magnitude of Ashwin’s accomplishment cannot be understated as he stamped his authority over opponents who have long posed a formidable challenge to spin bowlers. His latest milestone was a testament to his unwavering perseverance and his mastery over the art of spin bowling, traits that have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team.
Although the series thus far had not unfolded ideally according to Ashwin’s high standards, with only 12 wickets to his name, he stood as the third-leading wicket-taker for the hosts in the Anthony de Mello Trophy. Despite facing personal challenges, such as the health scare of his mother that forced him to temporarily leave the third Test in Rajkot, Ashwin demonstrated his resilience and dedication to the team by rejoining the squad and claiming the wicket of England’s Tom Hartley in the second innings.
The Chennai-born spinner’s return to the fold provided a much-needed boost to the Indian team’s aspirations of clinching the series. Watching Ashwin in action, fans and cricketing experts alike were reminded of the depth of his experience and the potential for him to engineer a series win for Team India against a highly competitive English side.
The fourth Test in Ranchi provided a platform for emerging talents and experienced campaigners to showcase their skills. India’s playing XI featured a blend of youth and experience, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, Ashwin himself, pace bowler Akash Deep, the deceptive Kuldeep Yadav, and the energetic Mohammed Siraj.
England, on their part, fielded a formidable line-up aiming to counter the Indian challenge. The playing XI included Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, the reliable Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, the experienced James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir, rounding out a balanced and competitive team.
As the game progressed, spectators witnessed a cricketing drama filled with strategic plays, individual milestones, and team ambitions. Ravichandran Ashwin’s historic achievement resonated throughout the stadium and across millions of fans who followed the match, highlighting a journey defined by persistence, excellence, and an undying passion for the game of cricket. With the spinner leading the charge, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipated what the remaining days of the Test would unveil, as the timeless duel between bat and ball continued to enthrall audiences around the world.
