Ashwin shatters Anil Kumble’s record during his match-winning spell in the second ODI against Australia

When Ashwin was picket out of nowhere for the ODI series against Australia everyone was a bit surprised given the fact that the off-spinner had played just two ODI’s since the Champions Trophy final in 2017. The two appearances came against South Africa last year where the off-spinner was not at his best and was dropped after the first two games. 

India then tried Washington Sundar in the series against West Indies but the fact that Sundar is prone to injuries the selectors decided to stick with Axar Patel for the World Cup. With Axar out injured the tea management went back to the off-spinning duo of Ashwin and Sundar along with Jadeja for the ODI series against Australia. 

The biggest question after the team’s selection for the series was who would partner Jadeja and the team management decided to go with Ashwin. The off-spinner did bowl well in the first ODI but it was his performance in the second ODI that proved why he is rated so highly by everyone.

Broken Record

Ashwin went on to bowl a match-winning spell in the second ODI as he picked up three wickets at a crucial stage leading India to a comfortable win. During his match-winning spell, Ashwin broke many records. With figures of 3 for 41 against Australia, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s 99-run victory (DLS). With these three wickets, Ashwin went to 144 scalps against Australia in international cricket. 

The record was earlier held by Kumble who has 142 wickets against the Aussies. Now, Ashwin has the most wickets for an Indian against a single opponent in international cricket. Following the duo are Kapil Dev (141 vs. Pakistan), Kumble (135 vs. Pakistan), and Kapil (132 vs. West Indies).

Finch Speaks

The performance against Australia has increased Ashwin’s chance of replacing Axar in India’s World Cup squad if he does not regain full fitness. But former Australian captain Aaron Finch has different views. “I think that depends on how they think the surfaces are going to play throughout the country, and by that time, I think the skill in picking a squad for the World Cup is you have to think of the back end. But you can’t think too much about it because you have to get there,” Finch said on Star Sports