Shruti Suman
In the fourth Test match between the teams led by Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a remarkable milestone. He became the first Indian player to amass over 1000 runs and take 100 wickets against England in Test cricket.
Ashwin joins a select group of cricketers worldwide who have accomplished this feat, including Garry Sobers from the West Indies, Montague Noble from Australia, and George Giffen. Notably, Ashwin is the first Asian cricketer to achieve this double record. His dismissal of Jonny Bairstow marked the momentous occasion.
The England cricket team found themselves in a difficult position, losing five wickets before lunch, with only 112 runs on the board. Debutant Akash Deep made an immediate impact by taking three early wickets, while Ashwin and Jadeja added one each to further dent England’s innings.
Akash Deep, who impressed with 11 wickets in four games for India ‘A’ against England Lions last month, delivered a sensational spell, claiming 3-24 on a pitch showing signs of cracking. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin contributed with a wicket each to bolster India’s dominance in the morning session.
Although Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root managed a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Bairstow’s dismissal, trapped lbw by Ashwin, halted England’s momentum. Bairstow departed for 38 off 35 balls after missing a sweep shot. Ben Stokes fell cheaply for just three runs before lunch, further denting England’s hopes.
With Root still at the crease, England’s prospects rely heavily on him and the remaining batsmen to build a competitive total.
Khushi Sikarwar
