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India might have clinched the five-match series against England by securing an unassailable lead over the visitors ahead of the last encounter, but the excitement for the dead rubber in Dharamsala is still soaring high as it will be Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin’s 100th appearance in the longest format.
It is worth mentioning that if part of India’s eleven in Dharamsala, Ashwin will become just the 14th cricketer to don the Indian whites for a remarkable 100 or more occasions. Notably, Ashwin recently etched his name into the annals of cricket history by recording 500 Test dismissals, solidifying his status as one of India’s cricketing stalwarts in the longest format. His multifaceted contributions extend beyond his exceptional bowling prowess, as he has also showcased remarkable skill with the bat, playing pivotal roles in securing victories for India on numerous occasions.
Ashwin picks the finest spell of his career
In anticipation of yet another career milestone, Ashwin recently took a moment to introspect on his journey in Test cricket. Delving into the highlights, he singled out a remarkable performance during the Birmingham Test against England in 2018 as his best so far. Notably, Ashwin bagged a claimed a seven-wicket haul in that match.
Despite this personal triumph, a tinge of melancholy accompanied his reflection, as he couldn’t overlook the regrettable fact that India did not emerge victorious in that particular contest.
“It’s Test wins that stand tall. One of the finest spells I bowled was in Birmingham in 2018. I got 7 in the game.. I thought I had bowled India to win but that didn’t happen,” Ashwin was quoted saying by News18 India.
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Ashwin identifies the turning point of his career
Beyond the statistics and match results, Ashwin also opened up about a crucial turning point in his career. Recalling the 2012 home series against England, where the hosts suffered defeat, Ashwin identified it as a watershed moment. The series saw notable performances from English batters Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen, prompting discussions about Ashwin’s place in the team. Instead of being disheartened, the setback became a catalyst for improvement.
“That series vs England at home… where Cook and Pietersen scored runs, can well be the turning point for me. There were talks of me getting dropped, it was a wonderful lesson for me to improve say 5%. I knew what I had to correct. Since then it has addressing downs,” the spin wizard recalled.
The road to 100: A celebration of excellence
As anticipation builds for Ashwin’s 100th Test, fans are not just witnessing a numerical milestone but celebrating a cricketer who epitomizes excellence. Ashwin’s journey, marked by triumphs, regrets, setbacks, and growth, serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. His resilience and commitment to the game are the hallmarks of a true cricketing legend, making his 100th Test appearance a momentous occasion for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
