Ravichandran Ashwin and James Anderson: A Spellbinding Quest for 10 Wickets Each… Ashwin and Anderson Aiming for Milestone in India-England Series
Team India is currently engaged in a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan. After the conclusion of the Afghanistan series, India is set to play five Test matches against England. The first Test between the two teams is scheduled to commence on January 25th in Hyderabad. Given the context of the ongoing World Test Championship season, the India-England series holds significant importance.
Ashwin and Anderson Eyeing Milestones
In the upcoming Test series, special attention will be on England’s fast bowler James Anderson and Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Both these stalwarts are on the verge of achieving significant milestones in Test cricket, requiring 10 wickets each to etch their names in history.
James Anderson, with 690 Test wickets, is just 10 wickets away from the remarkable feat of 700 Test wickets. On the other hand, Ashwin needs 10 more wickets to reach the milestone of 500 Test wickets. Ashwin has claimed 490 wickets in 95 Test matches, impressively taking five or more wickets in an innings on 34 occasions. Meanwhile, Anderson, in his 183 Test appearances, has secured five-wicket hauls 32 times.
If James Anderson accomplishes the feat, he will become the third-fastest and the first seamer in the world to reach the 700 Test wicket mark. Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne had previously achieved this milestone, though both were spin bowlers. On the other hand, if Ashwin claims 10 wickets in the series, he will be the second Indian cricketer to reach 500 Test wickets after Anil Kumble, who holds the record for the most Test wickets taken by an Indian bowler with 619 wickets in 132 matches.
Current Top Test Wicket-Takers:
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka 1992-2010): 133 Tests – 800 Wickets
- Shane Warne (Australia 1992-2007): 145 Tests – 708 Wickets
- James Anderson (England 2003-2023): 183* Tests – 690* Wickets
- Anil Kumble (India 1990-2008): 132 Tests – 619 Wickets
- Stuart Broad (England 2007-2023): 167 Tests – 604 Wickets
- Glenn McGrath (Australia 1993-2007): 124 Tests – 563 Wickets
- Courtney Walsh (West Indies 1984-2001): 132 Tests – 519 Wickets
- Nathan Lyon (Australia 2011-2023): 123* Tests – 501* Wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India 2011-2023): 95* Tests – 490* Wickets
The England series is crucial for India, and the performance of Ashwin and Anderson will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. As the first Test is set to begin in Hyderabad, the Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has already announced its squad. The squad includes the debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, providing an additional dimension to the team’s lineup.
India’s Squad for the Initial Tests: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Avesh Khan.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier announced its squad for the Test series. Ben Stokes will lead the English team, presenting a formidable challenge to the hosts. The series promises an intriguing battle between India’s batting prowess and England’s “swing” style of play.
England Squad for the Test Series Against India: Ben Stokes (Captain), Rehan Ahmad, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Brookes, Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Schedule for India vs England Test Series:
1st Test: January 25-29, Hyderabad 2nd Test: February 2-6, Visakhapatnam 3rd Test: February 15-19, Rajkot 4th Test: February 23-27, Ranchi 5th Test: March 7-11, Dharamshala
The India vs England Test series promises thrilling cricket action, with both teams showcasing their skills in what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama, all eyes will be on Ashwin and Anderson, who stand on the cusp of etching their names in Test cricket history.