IND vs SA: Ravichandran Ashwin hunting down two major records during Test series

The high-profile Test series between India and South Africa will get underway on October 2 in Visakhapatnam. With the conditions expected to be spin-friendly, Ravichandran Ashwin will have a big role to play. Controversially not selected for either of the Test matches in the Caribbean, Ashwin will be chomping at the bit to prove his worth. If he is selected for the opener in Vizag, Ashwin will be gunning for two major records. Here we take a look at them.

Record in his sights

Ashwin has so far played 65 Test matches for his country. In 122 innings, he has picked up 342 wickets at an average of 25.42 and an economy of 2.84. He only requires 8 wickets to reach the milestone of 350 Test wickets. If he manages to pick up 8 wickets in the series opener, he will join Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan on the top of the list of fastest to 350 wickets.

Also read: IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of Test series

Muralitharan at the top

It took Muralitharan 66 matches to pick up 350 Test wickets and he currently sits on top of the list. It took New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee and South Africa’s 69 matches to achieve this feat. Dennis Lillee took 70 Test matches and Glenn McGrath 74 matches to reach 350 wickets.

Fastest Indian to reach the landmark

Ashwin will also become the fastest Indian to reach this milestone. Kumble took 77 matches, Harbhajan 83 and Kapil Dev 100 matches to reach the figure of 350 Test wickets in their career.

Will overtake Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh has been the most successful bowler against the Proteas on Indian soil. In 7 matches and 12 innings, the Turbanator has scalped 42 wickets. Anil Kumble is on the second spot, having picked 39 wickets in 9 matches. Ashwin will have an opportunity to overtake them both during the course of the series. He has picked up 31 wickets in 4 matches and 7 innings and requires 12 more scalps to achieve the record.