Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the top wicket-taker in the five-year history of the World Test Championship on the opening day of the second Test match between India and New Zealand. With the wickets of Tom Latham and later Will Young, he became the top wicket-taker despite bowling four innings less than Nathan Lyon.
In the first over after being brought to the crease, Ashwin, who had 186 wickets before the second Test in Pune, tied Lyon for parity. The Kiwi captain was caught in front by an exquisitely-drifted delivery that spun on bouncing. Latham headed straight back to the dressing room, not bothering to go for a review.
Young was his second dismissal, coming on the last ball of his ninth over. To be honest, the cunning off-spinner didn’t bowl the best delivery. Rohit Sharma was persuaded by Sarfaraz Khan to accept the review, which favoured India.
Prior to the current Test, Ashwin has amassed nine four-wicket and eleven five-wicket hauls since the WTC’s inaugural cycle began in 2019. Lyon has taken 11 and 10, respectively.
Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Lyon in terms of total wickets.
Ashwin once again claimed the third wicket for India when he removed Devon Conway, who appeared to be in good form in the middle. Rishabh Pant was dismissed on 76 after making a second catch.
Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan’s presence of mind helps India send back Will Young; video goes viral
With that specific dismissal, Ashwin achieved yet another milestone, surpassing the Test total of his Australian rival despite playing 25 fewer Tests than him. In the current match against the Black Caps, Ashwin has appeared to be the most effective Indian bowler by a wide margin.
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