The star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin got cheers from his teammates before his 100th Test on Day 1 of the last Test between India and England at the cricket ground in Dharamshala on Thursday, March 7. His friends welcomed him for playing in 100 Tests.
Ravichandran Ashwin is the 13th Indian and third spinner to play 100 tests for his country. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh were the other two spinners that did so.
In a video circulating on X (previously Twitter), Team India can be seen forming a guard of honor around the great offspinner. Aswin was spotted hugging India skipper Rohit Sharma as he walked away.
Watch the video below.
On the occasion, Ashwin was also gifted with a special cap by head coach Rahul Dravid, who has played 163 Tests for India. Dravid said:
“People use the word ‘great’ too easily. Greatness is consistency over time. It comes from practice, constantly making changes, sacrifice, stubbornness, evolving, growing, learning, and giving everything to a team that you have and to a craft.”
Rahul Dravid
Dravid continued:
“Ash, because you have faithfully done all of these things, you arrived at a truly great place, your 100th Test.”
Rahul Dravid
“Real stalwart of Indian cricket” – Rohit Sharma on Ravichandran Ashwin
India skipper Rohit Sharma paid particular tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin on his 100th Test. He stated during the toss:
“Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket. Such a proud moment for him, his nation, and his family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic.”
Rohit Sharma
Ashwin has taken the second-most wickets for India in Tests. The off-spinner has taken 507 wickets in 99 Tests. He will now attempt to imitate Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble. The three took five wickets in their 100th Test.
Besides Ashwin, England player Jonny Bairstow who keeps wickets and bats is also playing his 100th Test match.
Captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first. The visitors were 67/1 after 20 overs, with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope at the crease.
The hosts have already established an unbeatable 3-1 advantage in the five-match Test series.