IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin adds another feather to his illustrious cap; becomes second-fastest to reach 450 Test scalps

India's veteran right-arm off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showed glimpses of his widely renowned bowling ability yet again as he dismissed three Australian batters on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur and also became the second-fastest bowler to claim 450 wickets in Tests behind Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ashwin provided ample support to Ravindra Jadeja who bagged a terrific five-wicket haul on his return and helped India in restricting Australia to 177 in the first innings. Ashwin got his name registered in the wickets column as soon as he dismissed Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. Carey was looking dangerous but before he could take the game away from India's grasp Ashwin cleaned him up to bag his 450th scalp in Test cricket.

The moment Ravi Ashwin got his 450th Test wicket - what a champion bowler. pic.twitter.com/MySD02JIdu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 9, 2023

The fastest to claim hundred scalps in Test cricket is Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muralitharan. Muralitharan bagged 450 Test scalps in just 80 matches and still holds the record.

Ashwin's next victim turned out to be Australia's Test skipper Pat Cummins. Ashwin's third delivery in the 58th over took the outside half of Cummins' willow and was easily grabbed by Virat Kohli who was standing at first slip.

Ashwin gets 2nd Wicket

AUS - 172/7 after 57.4 overs#INDvsAUS #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/CmNN5lkI43

— Cricket Fan (@Cr1cket_Fan) February 9, 2023

The off spinner didn't stop there and went on to bag his third wicket as he deceived pacer Scott Boland with a carrom ball to restrict Australia to 177 and has handed the hosts a massive advantage on Day 1 of the Nagpur Test.

Meanwhile, the wrecker-in-chief with the ball turned out to Ravindra Jadeja, who bagged a superb fifer on return to decimate Australia's batting line-up and outclassed two of Australia's best batters in Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith.