Ravichandran Ashwin goes past Steyn's record of most Test wickets in a single season

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin might not be at his best in the ongoing series against Australia but his figures this season cannot be ignored for a fact. Ashwin has bowled tremendously well this season becoming the fastest to reach the 250 wickets mark eclipsing Dennis Lillee and Dale Steyn who had reached this milestone in their 48th and 49th matches respectively.

In the ongoing fifth and final Test match between India and Australia, the Tamil Nadu man broke another record which was held by South African fast bowler Dale Steyn. Ashwin went past Steyn’s tally of 78 wickets in a single season which was the highest till date.

The Indian off-spinner, with the wicket of Australian skipper Steve Smith, his only in Australia’s first inning he now has 79 wickets this season which is simply phenomenal. Fellow Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja also features on the list with 67 wickets to his name followed by Aussie legend Glenn McGrath who has 66.

Steve Smith was once again looking in fine form as his domination against India continued in the final Test as well. The right-handed batsman was the only Aussie who was looking comfortable against the Indian bowlers as he did reach his 7th ton against India before falling to Ashwin. The offie’s delivery kept a bit low and Smith edged it to the slips in an attempt to defend it. Ajinkya Rahane completed a beautiful catch as Smith departed at the score of 111.

Ashwin recently became the fastest to complete 25 five-wicket hauls in Tests (88 innings), a record previously held by New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee. The veteran bowler’s performance this season signifies sheer class and portrays the ruthless form the bowler is in. Ashwin also possesses a Test bowling strike rate of 52 which is the best by any Test spinner in the past 100 years.