"Nothing but respect..": Nathan Lyon congratulates Ravi Ashwin for completing 500 test wickets

Ravi Ashwin became fifth spinner to take 500 or more wickets in test cricket.

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has congratulated his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin on reaching the historic milestone of 500 test wickets. The veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin achieved this huge milestone during the ongoing third test match between India and England in Rajkot on Friday, February 16.

Before the match, the 37-year-old Indian cricketer needed just one wicket to reach the ‘500 wicket club.’ However, on day 2 of the Rajkot test, Ashwin achieved this feat after dismissing England’s opening batter Zak Crawley for 15 runs in the first innings. The opening batter got out while playing a sweep shot, and Indian fielder Rajat Patidar took an easy catch at square leg while running backwards.

Nathan Lyon congratulates Ravi Ashwin on entering ‘500 test wickets club’

In a video uploaded by Nathan Lyon on his ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) social handle, the veteran off-spinner was seen congratulating and praising his rival Ravichandran Ashwin.

“Hi Ash, just want to say a massive congratulations on taking 500 Test match wickets. It has been an incredible journey to watch. I have nothing but respect for you the way you’ve gone about it and your skill level,” Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon said.

There has been a healthy rivalry between Ashwin and Lyon, with both being regarded as some of the finest spin bowlers in test cricket history. Both off-spinners made their debut in 2011. During the home series against Pakistan in December 2023, Nathan Lyon also completed 500 wickets in test cricket.

“It has been amazing to be competing against you but also learn from you. So, mate, congratulations and plenty more to come,” Lyon added.

Ravichandran Ashwin achieves various milestone after reaching 500 test wickets

After achieving the huge milestone of 500 test wickets, the Indian off-spinner became the ninth bowler in test history to breach the 500-mark. Similarly, Ashwin also became the second-fastest overall and quickest Indian test bowler to reach the historic milestone in 98 test matches.

Ashwin is also the second fastest bowler to breach the 500-wicket mark in terms of bowls bowled. Overall, Ashwin has taken 25,715 deliveries, which is next only to legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, who took 25,528 balls to achieve the historic feat.

The 37-year-old Indian all-rounder has 34-five wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls in his illustrious test career. Currently, English pacer James Anderson and Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon are the only active test players, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who have 500 or more test wickets in international cricket.

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