Watch: R Ashwin became the second-fastest to get to 500 Test wickets, achieving the feat when he dismissed Zak Crawley on day two of the Rajkot Test.
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Ashwin, who had earlier scored 37 after India lost three quick wickets within the first half-hour on Friday, ensured a memorable ending to the day after he dismissed Crawley for wicket No.500 in Test cricket.
Crawley, who was batting on 15, looked to sweep Ashwin’s first ball of the 14th over, but he only ended up top-edging to Rajat Patidar at fine-leg. The dismissal saw a wave of celebration – not only was it India’s first breakthrough in the innings with the score on 89, but it also helped the off-spinner join an elusive club.
With the scalp, Ashwin became only the second India bowler after Anil Kumble and the ninth overall to pick up 500 wickets. He also achieved the feat in his 98th Test, becoming the second-fastest bowler to get to the landmark, after Muttiah Muralitharan, who needed 87 Tests. Ashwin is also the fifth spinner to get 500 Test wickets.
Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and currently averages 23.9 in the format, the third-best among bowlers in the 500-wicket club. The list is led by Glenn McGrath (21.64) and Muralitharan (22.72).
