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India are gearing up to face England in the final Test of the five-match series at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. Rohit Sharma and his team rebounded strongly after an initial setback in Hyderabad and maintained an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.
Landmark occasion for cricketing duo: Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow
The Dharamshala Test holds monumental significance for two stalwarts of the game, Ravichandran Ashwin from India and Jonny Bairstow from England. Both players are set to achieve a remarkable feat in their 100th Test match in the longest format on March 7. This rare occurrence will mark only the fourth time in cricketing history that two or more players reach their 100th Test in the same match and at the same venue.
Unique milestone: Historical instances of centenary Tests
The historical precedent for such an event dates back to 2000 at Old Trafford, where Englishmen Alex Stewart and Michael Atherton achieved their 100th Test milestones simultaneously against the West Indies. Subsequently, in 2006, during a Centurion Test match between South Africa and New Zealand, Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Stephen Fleming shared the same distinction. The uniqueness of this occurrence was echoed once again in the 2013 Ashes Test in Perth, where Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke achieved their respective 100th Test caps.
Also READ: IND vs ENG: Jonny Bairstow reflects on the significance of playing 100 Tests for England
Ashwin’s remarkable journey
Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, has etched his name in cricketing annals with resilience and skill. His journey is adorned with records, including surpassing 500 wickets in Test cricket, a feat achieved by only one other Indian spinner, Anil Kumble. Ashwin’s pivotal role in India’s bowling attack, especially during Virat Kohli‘s captaincy, has been a golden phase in his illustrious career.
Bairstow’s resurgence and aggressive approach
Bairstow, debuting for England in 2012, faced challenges and form fluctuations. However, a resurgence under Ben Stokes‘s captaincy and Brendon McCullum‘s coaching has revitalized his career. Bairstow’s aggressive batting approach and contributions make him an integral part of England’s Test squad. At the age of 34, he will become the 17th Englishman to achieve the milestone of 100 Test caps in this scenic setting, symbolizing his enduring commitment to the sport.
