Watch: "Nothing but respect" - Nathan Lyon shares special message after Ravichandran Ashwin enters 500 Test wickets club

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon posted a special video message for India counter-part Ravichandran Ashwin after he completed 500 Test wickets. He congratulated the India spinner for completing the special milestone and shared some joyful words. 

Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday (16th February) scripted the history as he completed his 500 Test wickets. The Veteran Indian spinner achieved the feat in the ongoing third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. 

Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the wicket of Zak Crawley to complete 500 scalps in the history of the game. The off-spinner arguably has been one of the best bowlers going around in the world of cricket, be it at home or overseas, he has oozed his class. 

Ravichandran Ashwin became the 9th bowler in the history of the game to complete 500 Test wickets. The off-spinner is also the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to achieve the feat. If this was not enough, he also became the quickest to achieve the feat in the longest format of the game. 

Ravichandran Ashwin took just 98 matches to achieve 500 Test wickets. Not only this, but the off-spinner is also the fastest to 50 wickets, 100 wickets, 150 wickets, 200 wickets, 250 wickets, 300 wickets, 350 wickets, 400 wickets, and 450 wickets, which speaks a lot about his caliber as a batter. 

As Ravichandran Ashwin completed 500 Test wickets, Nathan Lyon, who recently achieved the feat, congratulated the Indian spinner. He lauded the Indian counterpart for his incredible journey and said that it has been an amazing journey for him. Taking to his X account, he explained: 

“Hi Ash, just to say massive congratulations on taking 500 wickets. It has been an incredible journey watching you. I have got nothing but respect for the way you have gone about it and your skill level. It has been amazing to compete against you but also learn a few things. Congratulations and plenty more to come.” 

Here’s the video: 

Congratulation to @ashwinravi99 on achieving the 500 Test wicket milestone. Many more to come. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/XANzv1Lcn7

— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) February 16, 2024

500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler – Sachin Tendulkar praises Ravichandran Ashwin 

Not only Nathan Lyon but batting great Sachin Tendulkar was in awe of Ravichandran Ashwin completing the 500 Test wickets. He hailed the off-spinner as one in a million bowler and congratulated him for his special feat. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained: 

“500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler! In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!” 

500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler!

In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/Cb48ZJE3XO

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 16, 2024

Anil Kumble, who is also the only Indian spinner with 500 test wickets, lauded Ashwin for his magnificent performance in Test cricket. He hailed him as a champion bowler who never stops to learn. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained:

“A champion bowler who never stops to learn. Congratulations Ashwin on this monumental achievement! Wonderful to see another Indian spinner joining the club.”

A champion bowler who never stops to learn. Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on this monumental achievement! Wonderful to see another Indian spinner joining the club.#Ashwin #IndvEng

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 16, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin picked one wicket on Day 2 of the ongoing game against England in Rajkot. The off-spinner will be extremely crucial for the team on Day 3. He would be eager to pick more wickets and put his team in a strong position in the ongoing game.