Sourav Ganguly Gives Ravichandran Ashwin Huge Praise for Making Test Cricket History

Ravichandran Ashwin became the Indian bowler with the most five-wicket hauls at home, adding another accomplishment to his already impressive Test career. Ashwin took his 26th five-wicket haul on Day 2 of the fourth Test match against Australia in Ahmedabad, breaking the previous mark held by illustrious spinner Anil Kumble. With Rangana Herath, he ranks second overall, with Muttiah Muralitharan topping the chart with 45 five-wicket hauls on Sri Lankan territory. This was also his sixth-highest five-wicket haul ever, bringing his total to 32.

Sourav Ganguly, a former captain of India, praised Ashwin on social media after he reached the significant milestone. Nice to see Ashwin bowl so well on a decent pitch. Class will always show. Hopefully this will be a terrific test match. Good opportunity for Indian batsmen after some difficult pitches to bat on, in this series. “@bcci @ashwinravi99,” said Ganguly on Twitter.

After dismissing Australia for 480 on the second day of the series-deciding fourth Test here on Friday, India reached 36 for no loss in their opening innings.

At draw of stumps, India was 444 runs down with Rohit Sharma (17 batting) and Shubman Gill (18 batting) at the crease.

The most productive bowler for India was Ravichandran Ashwin (6/91), who took five wickets on the second day, while Axar Patel was able to get rid of Usman Khawaja (180).

On day one, Mohammad Shami (2/134) had claimed two wickets.

Khawaja and Cameron Green earlier maintained batting easily as they added an additional 123 runs to strengthen Australia’s position. The day had started with Australia at 255 for 4.

During a lackluster morning session, Mitchell Starc and Green were both out in the space of four balls by Ashwin (6).

Patel then successfully caught Khawaja, but Todd Murphy (41) and Nathan Lyon (34) contributed another 70 runs to irritate India. Ashwin came back to take the final two wickets.