NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin has undoubtedly been a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket, and his performances against the West Indies have been nothing short of remarkable. In 13 Test matches against the Caribbean side, Ashwin has taken a staggering 75 wickets, a testament to his off-spinning prowess. Notably, he has claimed six five-wicket hauls, solidifying his position as a genuine threat to the West Indian batting line-up.
The ongoing Test series against the West Indies has provided Ashwin with yet another opportunity to showcase his skills, and he has grasped it with both hands. Having already amassed 15 wickets in the series, including an impressive 12-wicket haul in the first Test, Ashwin has demonstrated his consistency and dominance against the home team.
The second and final Test of the series proved to be an intriguing contest for Ashwin. While he could only manage one wicket in the first innings, he came back strong in the second innings, securing a couple more crucial scalps. As the final day approaches, India will be banking on Ashwin to deliver the goods and capture the remaining eight wickets to secure a victory.
If Ashwin accomplishes another five-wicket haul in this Test, he will join Australia's off-spinner Nathan Lyon in the record books, both having achieved nine fifers in the World Test Championship (WTC) since its inception in 2019. While Lyon has amassed 153 wickets in WTC history, Ashwin is hot on his heels with an impressive tally of 147 wickets.
Furthermore, Ashwin's performance in this series could also see him become only the second bowler to reach the milestone of 150 wickets in the World Test Championship. Three more wickets would place him alongside an elite group of bowlers who have achieved this remarkable feat.
On the other hand, Nathan Lyon's chances of adding to his wicket tally in the WTC have been dashed due to an unfortunate injury. Sustained during the second Ashes Test at Lord's, the injury has ruled him out of the ongoing Ashes series, leaving him sidelined for an uncertain period.
Looking ahead, Ashwin's focus will shift to India's Test tour of South Africa scheduled for December. With a break from Test cricket until then, he will be eager to leave a lasting impact on the current West Indies series, finishing it on a high note.
As the series progresses, the cricketing world eagerly awaits Ashwin's next move, as he continues to assert his dominance over the West Indies' batting line-up. His potential to make history in the World Test Championship adds an extra layer of excitement to the already enthralling series.
In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin's exceptional performances in Tests against the West Indies, coupled with his pursuit to make history in the World Test Championship, have captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide. As he aims to add more wickets to his tally and leave a lasting impression in the ongoing Test series, Ashwin's legacy as one of India's greatest spin bowlers is further solidified.
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