Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a stellar performance in his 100th Test match against England. The recently-concluded fifth and final Test between India and England marked a special milestone for Ashwin. The off-spinner showcased his mastery on the pitch, delivering a remarkable bowling display that propelled him to the top of an illustrious list.
Masterful bowling display
Ashwin’s remarkable bowling not only played a crucial role in India’s victory but also elevated him to the esteemed company of cricketing legends who have excelled in their respective 100th Test matches. His bowling performance in Dharamsala set a new standard, with figures that were the best for any player in their 100th Test. Additionally, Ashwin made history by becoming the first player to secure two hauls of four-plus wickets in their 100th Test match.
Record-breaking figures
Notably, in the second innings, the spinner hailing from Chennai secured his 36th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, setting a new record as the Indian bowler with the most five-wicket hauls. Surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble‘s tally of 35, Ashwin now shares the joint-third position for the most five-wicket hauls in Tests, alongside Richard Hadlee, with only Muttiah Muralitharan (67) and Shane Warne (37) ahead in the rankings.
Best match figures by a bowler in their 100th Test
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
In his 100th Test match against England in Dharamsala, Ashwin, the proficient Indian off-spinner, delivered a masterclass in bowling, claiming a staggering 9 wickets for just 128 runs across both innings. Ashwin’s exceptional performance played a pivotal role in India’s victory, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition batters with his guile and accuracy. This remarkable achievement firmly established Ashwin’s status as one of the premier spin bowlers in contemporary cricket, further solidifying his legacy as a key player in India’s cricketing history.
Also WATCH: IND vs ENG – Ravichandran Ashwin cleans up Ben Stokes with a peach of a delivery in Dharamsala Test
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner renowned for his unorthodox bowling action and unparalleled skill, delivered a memorable performance in his 100th Test match against Bangladesh in 2006. In this historic match, Muralitharan claimed an impressive 9 wickets for 141 runs, showcasing his ability to bamboozle batsmen with his spin and variations. This stellar display not only secured victory for Sri Lanka but also highlighted Muralitharan’s status as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne, the iconic Australian leg-spinner known for his prodigious turn and match-winning performances, showcased his brilliance in his 100th Test match against South Africa in 2002. Despite facing a formidable opposition, Warne delivered a memorable bowling display, claiming 8 wickets for 231 runs across both innings. His exceptional control and ability to outfox batters with his deceptive variations were on full display, underscoring his reputation as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricketing history.
Kapil Dev (India)
Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian all-rounder and former captain, exhibited his prowess with both bat and ball in his 100th Test match against Pakistan in 1989. Known for his dynamic style of play and leadership qualities, Kapil delivered a commendable bowling performance, claiming 7 wickets for 151 runs in the match. His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce from the pitch made him a formidable opponent for opposition batters, showcasing his skill and impact on the game.
Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble, the iconic Indian leg-spinner and former captain, showcased his talent and determination in his 100th Test match against Sri Lanka in 2005. Known for his accuracy, control, and relentless work ethic, Kumble delivered a commendable bowling performance, claiming 7 wickets for 176 runs in the match. His ability to consistently trouble batters with his deceptive variations and subtle changes in pace highlighted his skill and influence as one of India’s greatest spin bowlers.
