The left-arm spinner from India, Ravindra Jadeja, is hoping for off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to reach 500 Test wickets. This wish is for the current match against England. The game is held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Entering the Test, Ashwin had racked up 490 wickets. Day 1 of the game saw him seizing three wickets, mirroring Jadeja’s performance. Thanks to their commendable play, they both leapfrogged Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh’s collective 501 wickets racked up in 54 matches. They now stand as India’s top Test bowling duo.
Jadeja spoke about Ashwin’s possible 500 Test wicket achievement at the end of the first day. He shared his admiration for his teammate.
“It will be a big achievement if Ashwin completes 500 Test wickets and I hope he gets it in this match. I am left with 25 wickets for 300 and it might take the whole series, but I wish Ashwin completes his 500 in this game itself and continues taking wickets for India.”
Ravindra Jadeja
The first Test in Hyderabad saw England batting first after winning the toss. They managed a total of 246 in 64.3 overs. Ashwin and Jadeja played key roles, each of them taking three wickets for 68 and 88 runs respectively. Unique contributions also came from left-arm spinner Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, who bagged two wickets each.
“I really enjoy bowling with Ashwin” – Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja revealed his friendship with the experienced off-spinner, claiming that he likes bowling alongside Ashwin. He also stated that the duo enjoys competing against one other.
“I really enjoy bowling with Ashwin, it is really helpful with two spinners bowling in tandem. We share a lot of messages around field setting, line and length and we are happy to contribute to India’s win. We really enjoy the competition.”
Ravindra Jadeja
England ended their first batting round with 246 runs in total. India answered with a score of 119/1 at the end of the first day. Although team leader Rohit Sharma reached only 24, young player Yashasvi Jaiswal held strong, ending the day with 76 runs from 70 balls. At the same time, Shubman Gill had accumulated 14 runs and was still at the bat with Jaiswal.
India will begin Day 2 behind England by 127 runs, with nine wickets in hand.