R Ashwin - scourge of the southpaw - becomes first to reach unique milestone | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

R Ashwin - scourge of the southpaw - becomes first to reach unique milestone

Feb 15, 2021 03:57 PM IST

Ind vs Eng: Broad's wicket was the 200th time he had picked up the scalp of a left-hander in Test matches, which is more than than the number of right-handed victims he has had in his career, even as he approaches the magic figure of 400 Test wickets.

His eyes looking for the last detail in field placements as he plots yet another dismissal. Ravichandran Ashwin is a study in concentration and guile as he gets ready to bowl in Test cricket. And when he is operating on minefields, like the one dished out to England at the Chepauk for the second Test match, he has the raw energy of a predator, hunting down his prey into complete submission.

Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates picking up a wicket.(Getty Images)
Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates picking up a wicket.(Getty Images)

The fact that England batsmen would witness Ashwin's wrath and wizardry soon was evident from the way he bowled in the second innings of the first Test, where he picked up 6 wickets. When provided with a surface which had more spunk in the second Test, the Chennai lad was ready for revenge.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

India vs England 2nd Test Day 2 - Live Score

His skill as a master of his craft was on display as he toyed with England's batsmen on the second day of the second Test to complete yet another five-wicket haul.

Wickets of Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence in the first session had helped him put the hosts on top and when he prized out the scalp of Ben Stokes, India were assured of a big lead. He deservingly brought curtains down on England's first innings by dismissing Stuart Broad, which made him the first bowler to reach a unique milestone in Test cricket.

Most left-handed wickets in Test cricket
Most left-handed wickets in Test cricket

It was the 200th time he had picked up the wicket of a left-hander in Test matches, which is more than the number of right-handed victims he has had in his career, even as he approaches the magic figure of 400 Test wickets.

ALSO READ: Ashwin surpasses Harbhajan Singh in elite list after foxing Ben Stokes

Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 800 Test wickets is second with 191 left-handed scalps. This shows the kind of dominance Ashwin has had against left-handed batsmen in his career.

He has troubled the best of the best left-handers the game has seen. From England's Alastair Cook to Australia's David Warner, southpaws have never had it easy against the off-spin giant.

India would hope he continues this domination for years to come and guide the team to wins at home and away.


















Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On