India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashnin performed brilliantly in the Test series against New Zealand. He was adjudged Player of the Series. Ashwin will now be seen showing his spin magic on the tour of South Africa, which is going to start from 26 December.
India has to play a series of three Tests and three ODIs on South African soil. Ashwin is currently in that phase of his career, where some or the other record is made and broken or a new record is achieved.
Harbhajan’s record on Ashwin’s target
Ashwin, who broke Harbhajan Singh’s many records, is now close to defeating ‘Turbanator’ in another case. He is just 8 victims away. In fact, Harbhajan is the second highest wicket-taker for India in Test matches against South Africa. He has taken 60 wickets in 11 Tests against the African team at an average of 28.40 and an economy rate of 2.86. His best performance during this period was 87/7.
At the same time, Ashwin has taken 53 wickets in 10 Test matches against South Africa at an average of 19.75 and an economy rate of 2.48. His best performance is 7/66. He is currently at number three in the list of bowlers with the most Test wickets for India in front of South Africa. They need eight wickets to reach number two.
Former veteran Anil Kumble on top
Ashwin recently broke Harbhajan’s record of 417 wickets. He (427 Tests) became India’s third highest Test wicket-taker. Anil Kumble is the leading wicket-taker in Tests between India and South Africa. Former spinner Kumble is at the top with 84 wickets in 21 matches. He is followed by former fast bowler Dale Steyn (65 wickets) at number two and then Javagal Srinath (64 wickets).