India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has backed Ravichandran Ashwin to achieve his 500th Test wicket milestone in the upcoming match against England. Ravindra Jadeja expressed happiness for Ravichandran Ashwin reaching the landmark in his hometown, Rajkot.
Ravichandran Ashwin started the five-match series with 490 Test wickets to his name. The veteran off-spinner found himself one wicket short of the 500 milestone after the completion of the second Test, which India won by 106 runs to level the home series at 1-1.
Ravichandran Ashwin Will Take It Here – Ravindra Jadeja
In the pre-match press conference in Rajkot, Ravindra Jadeja stated that although he thought Ravichandran Ashwin would reach his 500th Test wicket milestone in the first Test, destiny has it that he will achieve it in his own town.
“He will take it here, nothing to worry. I am very happy for him, been playing with him for years. Thought he would get it in the first test match, it’s okay. It is destiny that he will get it here in my hometown,” Jadeja said.
In the previous match, Ashwin appeared to secure his 500th wicket, but the decision was overturned after a controversial review. The experienced spinner has displayed a subdued performance, securing nine wickets in two matches with an average of 36.33.
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer took six wickets in the first Test. He conceded over 4 runs per over in the second innings. He failed to pick any wickets in the first innings of the next match in Vizag. However, he clinched three crucial wickets in the second innings.
The 37-year-old has taken 499 wickets in 87 Test matches at an impressive average of 23.92. If the off-spinner achieves this milestone in the upcoming match, he will become the second-fastest bowler to do so, behind Muttiah Muralidaran, who achieved it in 87 Tests.
Most Wickets By Indian Bowler In Tests
Anil Kumble – 619 wickets in 132 matches
Ravichandran Ashwin – 499 wickets in 97 matches
Kapil Dev – 434 wickets in 131 matches
Harbhajan Singh – 417 wickets in 103 matches
Ishant Sharma – 311 wickets in 105 matches
It’s To Keep It Simple, Not Change – Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja expressed his strategy to keep things simple against the opposition’s aggressive batting approach, emphasizing the importance of sticking to his game plan without overcomplicating things.
“You can start thinking of where should I bowl. They are sweeping and all, but in my opinion, it’s to keep it simple, not change,” Jadeja stated.
The English batsmen have consistently deployed sweep shots against spinners throughout the series. Ollie Pope notably demonstrated skills with a remarkable 196-run innings, contributing significantly to England’s 28-run victory in the series opener in Hyderabad.
The five-match series between India and England is currently tied at 1-1. The third Test is set to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot, starting on Thursday, February 15. Both teams are eager to gain the upper hand in this pivotal match.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin on the cusp of breaking Anil Kumble’s record to become the most successful Test bowler in India
