Ashwin Grateful After Record Haul

India bowler Ravi Ashwin says he is very grateful to have matched the record for the joint-fastest Test bowler to 350 wickets. The 33-year-old starred in India’s demolition of South Africa in the first Test of the autumn series after they defeated the Proteas by 203 runs.

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Ashwin grabbed eight wickets to equal the record set by Muttiah Muralitharan, reaching the milestone of 350 scalps in his 66th Test match. The spinner got seven in the first innings, including dismissing middle-order batsman Dane Piedt for a duck, before ripping through the tail-enders. He says he is very pleased to have reached the record and he aims to keep his bowling as simple as possible.

“Obviously, these things happen over a period of time and it’s not like you can plan any of these things. I’ve been very lucky in my career with where I’ve got with these records,” he said. “But it’s important to stick to the process every single day and try and stick to the basics, try and keep it as simple as possible because that’s what makes it easier for you every time you go into the next game.

“I want to keep my bowling as simple and straightforward as possible. I want to be as prepared as possible and try and tick all boxes before a game. Try and be in the best mental and physical space getting into that match, assessing the pitch really well.”