In a thrilling first day of the opening Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin scripted history. Joining Ravindra Jadeja at the crease when India was in a dire position at 144-6, Ashwin produced a masterclass with the bat, steering India out of trouble.
Ashwin’s remarkable knock not only revived India’s innings but also marked a significant milestone. He became the first player in Test cricket history to achieve 20 scores of 50+ runs alongside 30 five-wicket hauls. This remarkable feat solidified his standing as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
The Chennai-based cricketer’s innings was his 20th fifty-plus score in 101 Tests. With his bowling tally standing at 516 wickets and 36 five-wicket hauls, Ashwin is closing in on legendary spinner Shane Warne’s record of 37 five-wicket hauls, while the all-time leader remains Muttiah Muralitharan with an unmatched 67 five-wicket hauls.
Amongst cricket legends with significant all-rounder records, Richard Hadlee had 17 scores of 50+ with 36 five-wicket hauls, while Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, and Imran Khan all fell short of the 30 five-wicket mark.
In today’s rescue act, Ashwin reached his half-century in just 58 balls and then powered his way to a century off just 108 balls, the fastest Test ton of his career. This was Ashwin’s sixth Test century, and his second on his home ground in Chennai.
Key Highlights:
- Ravichandran Ashwin set a new record, becoming the first cricketer to achieve 20 fifty-plus scores and 30+ five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
- His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja rescued India from 144-6 in the first Test against Bangladesh.
- Ashwin’s knock included his sixth Test century, the fastest of his career, made in 108 balls.
- He is just one five-wicket haul short of Shane Warne’s record of 37 five-wicket hauls.