Credit: X
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon congratulated and welcomed Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to the 500-Test wicket club. Ashwin became the ninth bowler in history after Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, and Lyon to scalp 500 wickets.
Ashwin entered the elite club on 2nd day of the third England Test after he scalped his 500th Test wicket on February 16, Friday. After leveling the five-match Test series at 1-1, India hosted their English rivals at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot for the third clash of the series.
The spinning wizard dismantled Joe Root to mark his 499th Test wicket in the second game of the series and scalped England opener Zak Crawley in 13.1 overs to join the elite club of 500 Test wickets. The 37-year-old took 98 Test matches, and 25714 balls to achieve the feat and became the second Indian bowler to do so after veteran bowler Anil Kumble. The former bowler took 105 matches to become a member of the 500-Test wicket club.
Nothing but respect: Lyon congratulates Ashwin on picking 500th wicket
Australian spinner Lyon shared a heartfelt message for Ashwin after his newly-achieved record. On X, Lyon shared a video message and said, “Hi Ash, wanted to say, massive congratulations for taking 500 Test match wickets. It’s been an incredible journey to watch. I have nothing but respect for the way you have gone about it. It’s been amazing to be competing against you and learn from you. Congratulations and more to come.”
Lyon accompanied the video with the caption, “Congratulation to @ashwinravi99 on achieving the 500 Test wicket milestone. Many more to come.” The 36-year-old picked his 500th wicket in the Perth Test against Pakistan last year. Lyon dismissed Faheem Ashram to reach the mark.
