KANPUR, Nov 29: “Feels absolutely nothing at all.” With these words off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday played down his milestone of becoming India’s third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham to claim his 418th Test wicket and go past Harbhajan Singh on the fifth and final day of the opening Test against New Zealand here. He is now only behind Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev in the overall standings.
After India could not close out the game against New Zealand, Ashwin was asked what the milestone made him feel. “Absolutely nothing at all. These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it’s wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he’s kept saying how many wickets you take, how many runs you make in 10 years time, you won’t remember them,” Ashwin said.
“It’s the memories that matters so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years,” he added after the drawn game.
The match lasted full five days though bad light played a part every evening.
Ashwin was diplomatic while talking about the surface.
“Anytime pitches are being spoken about and I am asked a question, it turns into a controversy. So, I’ll try and keep a tab on that.”
Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra consumed 8.4 overs after the fall of ninth wicket to eke out a memorable draw for New Zealand in fading light.
“Getting down to the last session, last mandatory over, I think it’s played its part, some wonderful Test cricket. The young boy, Ravindra, batted beautifully, showed great composure, Ajaz Patel with his defence,” Ashwin said.
“I think it’s a phenomenal achievement. I think you know Harbhajan Singh was a really fine bowler, someone I played a lot of cricket with; terrific bowler for India and what Ashwin has done, to be able to go past him in just 80 Test matches is a phenomenal achievement,” India head coach Rahul Dravid said at the post-match media conference.
“I would like to congratulate Ashwin on his milestone. Well done and hope he wins many more matches for India,” Harbhajan said.
“I never believed in comparisons. We played our best cricket in different times, against different opposition. I had done my best for the country back then and ditto for Ashwin, he did his best now,” the former India spinner said. (PTI)
