Ravichandran Ashwin breaks Muttiah Muralitharan's 18-year-old record; Registers best bowling figures in 100th Test

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed Sri Lankan legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan’s 18-year-old record during the fifth Test against England. Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the best bowling figures by any cricketer in his 100th Test match.

Ravichandran Ashwin bagged his 36th five-wicket haul at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, March 9. The off-spinner picked up five wickets for 77 runs in England’s second innings in the final match of the red-ball series.

Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, and Ben Foakes on the third day. This accomplishment elevated him to the esteemed company of Muralitharan, Warne, and Kumble, who also achieved a five-wicket haul in their 100th appearance in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin Breaks Muttiah Muralitharan’s Record

Ravichandran Ashwin broke Muttiah Muralitharan’s record by registering his best bowling figures in his 100th Test. The ace spinner claimed a total of nine wickets, with four wickets for 51 runs in the first innings, followed by five wickets for 77 runs in the second.

Muralitharan recorded a notable performance in his 100th Test match against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2006, finishing with figures of 9 for 141 runs. He took three wickets in the first innings and followed it up with six wickets for 54 runs in the second innings.

Best Bowling Figures In A Match In 100th Test

Ravichandran Ashwin – 9/128 vs England in 2024

Muttiah Muralitharan – 9/141 vs Bangladesh in 2006

Shane Warne – 8/231 vs South Africa in 2002

Ashwin also achieved a unique feat by claiming a five-wicket haul in both his debut and his 100th Test match. Notably, no other player has accomplished this dual milestone in Test cricket history. Ashwin secured nine wickets, including a remarkable six-wicket haul during his Test debut against the West Indies in Delhi in November 2011.

Most Pleased With This Performance – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed immense joy after his stellar performance in his 100th Test match. Ashwin conveyed his gratitude for the support he received ahead of his milestone match.

“Feeling very happy. I can’t really put a wrap around how I feel right now. Lots of well wishes before the 100th Test. Throughout the series, I have gone to different actions, speeds, and releases. India is different, each ground has a challenge. I was really happy with the way the ball came out, most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi.”

The Tamil Nadu-born player emphasized his openness to constructive feedback and his belief that experimentation is essential for learning and growth. He expressed confidence in his abilities and stated that he does not hesitate to try new approaches when necessary.

“Firstly, I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback. Unless I try, I will never be able to learn. If I am confident that I can try something, I don’t hold back.”

India secured victory over England by an innings and 64 runs in the fifth Test, clinching the series 4-1. Alongside Ashwin’s performance, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed with two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Shoaib Bashir.

Also read: Watch- Ravichandran Ashwin bamboozles Ben Stokes with an absolute peach on Day 3 of 5th Test