• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news, WTC 23-25
• 03/07/2024
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In a memorable 100th Test appearance, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his bowling prowess by claiming four crucial wickets for India. He played a pivotal role in dismissing England for 218 on Day 1 of the fifth Test. However, his young spin partner, Kuldeep Yadav, stole the spotlight with a remarkable five-wicket haul – the third of his career. Kuldeep’s extraordinary performance triggered a collapse for England, losing seven wickets for a mere 43 runs.

As the Indian team prepared to leave the field, an endearing moment unfolded when Ashwin, in a selfless gesture, insisted that the honour of leading the team off the field should go to Kuldeep and not him. Despite teammates wanting to hand over the ball to Ashwin for his four-wicket haul in his landmark Test, Ashwin made sure the ball was returned to Kuldeep, maintaining the tradition that the bowler with a five-wicket haul gets to keep the ball and lead the team off the park.

𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚!

R Ashwin 🤝 Kuldeep Yadav

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/jnMticF6fc #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @imkuldeep18 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/hJyrCS6Hqh

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024

In the tussle between the two spinners, Ashwin finally led the team to the dressing room, and Kuldeep acknowledged the applause from teammates and the crowd. Notably, during his impactful spell against England, Kuldeep became the fastest Indian to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving this milestone in just his 12th Test.

Kuldeep Yadav’s fifer overshadows Ashwin on 100th Test

The partnership between Kuldeep and Ashwin proved lethal for England. Kuldeep took the first four wickets, dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, and Jonny Bairstow. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a wicket, trapping Joe Root LBW. Kuldeep continued his dominance, securing a five-for by pinning Ben Stokes on the back foot, leaving England struggling at 175/6.

With four wickets remaining, Ashwin took over, efficiently wrapping up the tail. Tom Hartley was caught in the deep, and two balls later, Mark Wood edged to Rohit Sharma at first slip. Ben Foakes and Shoaib Bashir managed some quick runs, but Ashwin’s expertise came to the forefront as he dismissed the wicketkeeper and then James Anderson, swiftly dismantling the remaining England batting order.

The combined brilliance of Ashwin and Kuldeep highlighted India’s spin dominance on Day 1, setting the tone for a compelling Test match against England. Ashwin’s heartwarming gesture, prioritizing tradition and recognizing Kuldeep’s outstanding performance, added a touching touch to the cricketing spectacle.