IND vs BAN: Ashwin set to break Lyon's WTC record
Ravichandran Ashwin, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, is on the verge of making cricket history. He needs just 14 wickets to surpass Australian spinner Nathan Lyon's record of most wickets in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh presents an opportunity for Ashwin to achieve this feat. The first match will commence on September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
India's preparation for the series
The Indian team is currently preparing for the home series at the iconic stadium in Chennai. The second match of the series will be held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27. This series is crucial for India's prospects of securing a spot in the WTC 2023-25 final. Despite their dominant record against Bangladesh, having won 11 out of 13 Tests, India cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Ashwin's potential records in the WTC
Ashwin, who has taken 174 wickets in 35 matches so far, is just one five-wicket haul away from breaking Lyon's record of most five-wicket hauls (10) in the WTC. The latter owns 187 WTC wickets. Additionally, if Ashwin manages to take at least 10 wickets in this series, he could become the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle. Currently, Australia's Josh Hazlewood leads with 51 wickets while the Inian off-spinner has claimed 42 scalps.
Ashwin can also get this record
If Ashwin secures at least 15 wickets in the upcoming two matches, he will surpass Lyon's career tally of 530 Test wickets and become the seventh leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. Currently, he is ninth on this list with 516 dismissals. This series against Bangladesh provides an opportunity for Ashwin to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history.
