Nagpur Test was memorable for India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He went previous the milestone of 450 Test wickets, finishing with an eight-wicket haul from the match towards Australia.
He took a five-wicket haul, his 31st in Test cricket, as Australia folded for 91 of their second innings with India registering an innings victory to take a 1-0 lead within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 on Saturday afternoon.
25 of his 31 five-wicket hauls within the format have been at home which is joint-highest for India alongside the legendary Anil Kumble who continues to be the all-time main wicket-taker for his team with 619 scalps to his name.
Spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan has taken probably the most number of five-wicket hauls at home – a jaw-dropping 45 – followed by 26 such hauls by his fellow Sri Lankan Rangana Herath.
India captain Rohit Sharma was all praise for his star bowler throughout a post-match media interaction.
“He (Ashwin) seems a different bowler. I wouldn’t say an improved bowler as he was always a superb bowler however he looks like a unique bowler each time he plays Test cricket. That’s what good cricketers do. They attempt to up their game and attempt to attain the next stage,” mentioned Rohit.
Australia too created an unwanted file. They were skittled for 91 in their second innings in simply 32.3 overs. The total is their lowest ever in a Test in India (the previous being 93).
Overall, this is their second-lowest rating within the format against India (83 being their lowest against them).
The second Test of the series will likely be performed in Delhi from February 17.
