Ashwin joint-fastest to 250 Test scalps at home: Details here
Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin scripted some superb feats on Day 1 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Indore. Ashwin led India's charge against the visitors in the first Test of the two-match series. The senior off-spinner has been a revelation on home soil in Tests. Here are the records scripted by Ashwin.
Ashwin joins Bhajji and Kumble with this feat
Ashwin became the third Indian bowler to take 250 scalps at home. The spinner, who claimed two wickets on Day 1 so far, raced to 251 Test scalps on home soil. Former Indian spinners Anil Kumble (350) and Harbhajan Singh (265) are the only bowlers to clinch this feat in Tests. Ash also raced to 359 career Test scalps overall.
Ashwin joint-fastest to 250 Test scalps at home
The premier spinner also became the joint-fastest to 250 Test scalps at home. Ashwin played his 42nd Test match at home and equaled former Lankan ace Muttiah Muralitharan (42 Tests) for the record. For India, Anil Kumble was the previous record-holder. He had got to 250 Test scalps in 43 home matches. Rangana Herath (44), Dale Steyn (49) and Bhajji (51) are notable mentions.
How has Day 1 panned out so far?
India are on the front foot in the first Test against the Tigers. The second session got over and Bangladesh have lost seven wickets already. Ashwin and Mohammed Shami lead the show with two scalps each. Meanwhile, pacers Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have taken one wicket each. Mushfiqur Rahim is nearing to a fifty. Skipper Mominul Haque was dismissed for 37.
Ashwin was terrific against South Africa last month
India had beaten South Africa 3-0 in the Test series last month. Ashwin, who made a return to the side after being benched against West Indies earlier, was the pick of the Indian bowlers. He claimed 15 wickets in total at an average of 25.26. He has once again led the show so far against Bangladesh and will play a crucial role.
