In a gripping turn of events on October 24, R Ashwin eclipsed Nathan Lyon to ascend as the premier wicket-taker in the annals of the World Test Championship (WTC), marking a significant milestone on Day 1 of the first Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Ashwin, with his remarkable prowess, now stands with 188 wickets amassed over 39 matches, showcasing an astonishing average of 20.71—an extraordinary feat since the WTC’s inception in 2019. In contrast, Nathan Lyon, though a formidable opponent, trails closely behind with 187 wickets from 47 encounters, maintaining an average of 26.70. Completing the elite cadre of wicket-takers in this championship era are Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, each with 175 wickets, followed by Stuart Broad at 147.
In an exhilarating display, Ashwin not only surpassed Lyon’s WTC record but also matched him in terms of overall wickets in Test cricket. With two wickets captured in a single session in Pune, Ashwin elevated his career tally to 530, equalling Lyon, who has participated in 25 additional Tests.
Both spinners have emerged as titans of off-spin bowling, weaving a narrative rich in competitiveness yet underpinned by mutual respect. Despite their fierce rivalry, particularly visible during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin and Lyon have consistently acknowledged each other’s achievements off the field.
As the statistics unfold, the spotlight shines brightly on Ashwin’s remarkable journey in the WTC:
| Most Wickets in World Test Championship: | Player | Matches | Wickets | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin (IND) | 39* | 188 | 11 | |
| PJ Cummins (AUS) | 42 | 175 | 8 |
Facing the pressure of having gone wicketless in Bengaluru’s second innings, Ashwin responded emphatically, striking in the very first session of the match. He dismissed Tom Latham, achieving this feat for the ninth time in his Test career, further asserting his dominance over the New Zealand captain. Soon after, Ashwin claimed Will Young, a dismissal that highlighted India’s sharp reflexes on the field. Sarfaraz Khan, stationed at short leg, played a pivotal role in winning a review for a caught behind, successfully prompting captain Rohit Sharma to challenge the on-field decision, as the snickometer confirmed the faint edge.
As the first session drew to a close, New Zealand found themselves at 92 for 2, reliant on a sturdy performance from Devon Conway, who stood unbeaten at 47—a promising start in an ever-evolving contest.
