Sun Nov 03 10:45:31 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin on the verge of historic record in Mumbai Test
**Mumbai:** India’s senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is on the cusp of creating a new record in international cricket. He is set to become the Indian bowler with the most five-wicket hauls in international cricket if he picks up another five-wicket haul in the third Test against New Zealand starting Friday.
Ashwin currently shares the record with Anil Kumble, both having bagged 37 five-wicket hauls in international cricket. Notably, Ashwin has achieved all 37 five-wicket hauls in Test matches while Kumble has 35 in Tests and 2 in ODIs. Both bowlers also have 8 ten-wicket hauls, all in Test cricket.
Ashwin picked up six wickets in the first two Tests against New Zealand, making him a strong contender for another impressive performance in Mumbai. The pitch in Mumbai is expected to favor spinners, giving Ashwin a good chance to break the record.
The last time India and New Zealand faced off in a Test match at the Wankhede Stadium was in December 2021, and spinners played a crucial role in the game. In the first innings, India was bowled out for 325 runs, with all 10 wickets claimed by left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. In reply, New Zealand was bundled out for just 62 runs due to impressive spells from Ashwin (4/8), Siraj (3/19), and Axar Patel (2/14).
India went on to declare their second innings at 276/7, with Ajaz Patel (4) and Rachin Ravindra (3) picking up wickets. New Zealand were set a target of 540 runs but managed to score only 167, with Ashwin and Jayant Yadav taking four wickets each. This resulted in a resounding 372-run victory for India.
This third Test presents a golden opportunity for Ashwin to etch his name in the record books and further cement his position as one of India’s greatest spinners.
First Piper 