India vs South Africa 2015, 1st Test: Ravichandran Ashwin achieves rare record

Mumbai: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin today not only raced to the fastest 150 scalps in Indian Test history but also became the first man in over 100 years to bag 50 wickets after opening the bowling during the first cricket Test against South Africa, in progress at Mohali. Ashwin, who had taken 45 wickets when opening the Indian bowling in Tests in the past, picked up 5 for 51 in South Africa‘s first innings total of 184 after opening the attack with the new ball. LIVE SCORE: Live Cricket Score, India vs South Africa 2015, 1st Test at Mohali
According to senior cricket statistician, R Gopalakrishna, the last man to do so was left arm orthodox slow bowler Colin Blythe of England who did it between 1902 and 1910 when he picked up 74 wickets in 13 Tests for 1319 runs. The others who have done so are: Hugh Trumble of Australia, R Peel of England, G E (Joey) Palmer of Australia and Wilfred Rhodes of England. Off spinner Trumble and Palmer were the only two right hand slow bowlers to achieve the feat. In Ashwin’s case, he did it in 12 matches, off 1888 balls and after conceding 1018 runs.
The second day of first Test against South Africa, India have done really well as the bowlers restricted the visitors for 184 runs. India started their second innings and have 125 runs on the board with the loss of 2 wickets. Cheteshwar Pujara (63) is in the crease along with skipper Virat Kohli (11). India have taken the lead of 142 runs and will resume batting tomorrow.

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