India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday became only the second Indian and ninth overall to take 500 wickets in Test cricket. Ashwin accomplished the landmark during the third Test against England in Rajkot, making him only the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble to take 500 Test wickets.

Ashwin needed one wicket to reach 500 wickets before the start of the third Test and the off-spinner completed the milestone in England’s first innings when he dismissed Zak Crawley for 15.

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HIGHEST WICKET-TAKERS IN TEST CRICKET

Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800 wickets
Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets
James Anderson (England) – 695* wickets
Anil Kumble (India) – 619 wickets
Stuart Broad (England) – 604 wickets
Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 563 wickets
Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519 wickets
Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 517* wickets
R Ashwin (India)- 500*

SECOND FASTEST TO 500 TEST WICKETS

Ashwin also became only the second bowler after Sri Lanka great Muttaiah Muralidaran to take 500 wickets in less than 100 Tests. Ashwin, who has been the fastest Indian to reach 50, 100, 150, 200, 350, 400 and 450 Test wickets, is also the fastest in the world to reach 250 and 300 Test wickets.

Ashwin’s journey to 500 Test wickets has been marked by a series of record-breaking achievements as the off-spinner set a world record by reaching 250 wickets in just 45 matches and continued his impressive form to reach 300 wickets in 54 matches. Ashwin’s relentless pursuit of excellence saw him reach 350 wickets in 66 Tests, and he secured his 400th wicket in his 77th Test match. By the time he played his 89th Test, he had already amassed 450 wickets.