IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin adds another feather to his illustrious cap

India’s veteran right-arm off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showed glimpses of his widely renowned bowling ability. He dismissed three Australian batters on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and Australia. Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to claim 450 wickets in Tests behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ashwin provided ample support to Ravindra Jadeja who bagged a terrific five-wicket haul on his return and helped India in restricting Australia to 177 in the first innings. Ashwin got his name registered in the wickets column as soon as he dismissed Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. Despite Carey’s dangerous batting, Ashwin cleaned him up, earning his 450th Test cricket scalp.

The fastest to claim hundred scalps in Test cricket is Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Muralitharan. Muralitharan bagged 450 Test scalps in just 80 matches and still holds the record.

Ashwin’s next victim turned out to be Australia’s Test skipper Pat Cummins. Virat Kohli, standing at first slip, easily grabbed the outside half of Cummins’ willow on Ashwin’s third delivery in the 58th over.

Ashwin then went on to bag his third wicket by deceiving pacer Boland. Ashwin claimed the last wicket to restrict Australia on 177. He handed the hosts a massive advantage on Day 1 of the Nagpur Test.

Meanwhile, the wrecker-in-chief with the ball turned out to Ravindra Jadeja, who bagged a superb fifer. On his return he outclassed two of Australia’s best batters in Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith.