Cricket News

‘I wish Ashwin completes….’ – Ravindra Jadeja hopes Ravichandran Ashwin reaches 500 Test wickets mark

India spinner Ravindra Jadeja has expressed hope that his spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin can reach 500 Test wickets in the current series opener against England in Hyderabad. Notably, Ashwin and Jadeja have surpassed Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to become India’s most successful Test bowling duo. Ashwin and Jadeja set a new record of 505 wickets, surpassing Kumble-Harbhajan’s 501.

The friendship between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja extends beyond the ground, with both players frequently discussing strategy and field settings for outclassing the batsmen. Their tandem has been critical to many of India’s successes, and as Jadeja has stated, he welcomes the opportunity to bowl alongside Ashwin.

“I really enjoy bowling with Ashwin, it is really helpful with two spinners bowling in tandem. We share a lot of messages around field setting, line and length and we are happy to contribute to India’s win. We really enjoy the competition,” Jadeja said while speaking on ‘Match Centre Live’ on JioCinema and Sports18.

Ravindra Jadeja left with 25 wickets for 300 and it might take the whole series

In the first innings against England Ashwin has already taken three wickets and he is just three wickets shy from getting 500 wickets. After reaching this feat he will become only second Indian after Anil Kumble who has 619 wickets. As India is set to play a 5-match Test series against Three Lions he has a good chance of achieving this record in the upcoming days.

While expressing his desire to take 25 more wickets to achieve 300, Jadeja recognized that this ambition could extend throughout the series. Nonetheless, he expressed his strong desire for Ashwin to take his 500th wicket in the current game and continue to contribute significantly to India’s cricket success.

“It will be a big achievement if Ashwin completes 500 Test wickets and I hope he gets it in this match. I am left with 25 wickets for 300 and it might take the whole series, but I wish Ashwin completes his 500 in this game itself and continues taking wickets for India,” Jadeja added. Notably, India bowled out England for a paltry 246 before cruising to 119 for one in response. Ben Stokes hit a captain’s knock of 70 to help England reach a competitive score before tiring early in the final session.

India’s strong comeback was headed by opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a rapid undefeated 76, with Shubman Gill finishing on 14. India has lost Rohit Sharma for 24 but can still expect to establish a comfortable lead, especially after England wasted all three reviews in their desperate search for breakthroughs.