World No. 1 Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, showcased his exceptional skills and mastery of spin bowling as he led Team India to a resounding victory over West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica.
The 36-year-old off-spinner delivered a scintillating performance, pocketing 7 wickets for 71 runs in the second innings. This outstanding feat marked Ashwin’s eighth 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, equaling the record set by legendary spinner Anil Kumble.
Dear Ravichandran Ashwin,
When you bowl like this, the art of spin bowling in Test Cricket looks so very beautiful. ❤️pic.twitter.com/T3GitVPNJR
— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) July 15, 2023
Notably, Ashwin’s bowling figures in the second innings also represented his best performance in an overseas Test match. His remarkable match haul of 12 wickets for 131 runs demonstrated his exceptional control and ability to trouble the West Indies batsmen on a challenging pitch.
Ashwin takes another wicket 😮💨
A brilliant bowling display 🔥#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/GRiwyjFlAA
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) July 14, 2023
In addition to achieving this milestone, Ashwin surpassed former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh’s tally of 707 wickets, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker for Team India in Test cricket. Ashwin’s consistent performances over the years have cemented his status as one of the country’s greatest spinners.
The Dominica Test also witnessed Ashwin claiming the match-winning wicket for the 23rd time in his career, surpassing Australian legend Shane Warne’s record of 22 such instances. This statistic further highlights Ashwin’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs when his team needs them the most.
Eighth 10-wicket haul for Ravichandran Ashwin in Test cricket 👏#WIvIND #TeamIndia #WTC25 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/GiqPLV8BTi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 15, 2023
Ashwin’s exceptional performance against the West Indies not only contributed significantly to India’s victory but also solidified his reputation as a world-class bowler. His mastery of spin, accuracy, and ability to adapt to various conditions make him a potent weapon in the Indian cricket team’s arsenal.