India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin became the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to take 500 wickets in Test cricket, as he helped India take a commanding position in the first Test against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.

Ashwin, who had taken three wickets in the first innings to reach 497, achieved the milestone by dismissing England opener Rory Burns for 12 in the second innings. He then went on to take two more wickets, including that of skipper Joe Root, to finish with figures of 5 for 61, as England were bowled out for 187, setting India a target of 315 to win.

Ashwin’s spin partner Ravindra Jadeja, who had predicted that Ashwin would reach 500 wickets in this match, also shone with the ball, taking four wickets for 54 runs. The duo broke the record of 501 wickets by Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, as they now have 509 wickets as a pair in Test cricket.

Jadeja, who needs five more wickets to complete 300 Test wickets, said he was happy to bowl with Ashwin and praised his achievement.

“It will indeed be a historic achievement. I hope Ashwin completes his 500 Test wicket in the first Test match. I need 25 more wickets to complete 300 wickets in Test cricket and will have to wait for the whole series. But I sincerely wish Ashwin completes 500 wickets in this match. He let Team India get more wickets,” Jadeja said after the match.

Ashwin, who also holds the record of 150 wickets in the World Test Championship, said he was grateful for the support of his teammates and the fans.

“I am very thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. It is a very special feeling to reach 500 wickets in Test cricket. I have always tried to give my best for the team and I am glad that I could contribute to the team’s success. I want to dedicate this milestone to my family, my coaches, my teammates and the fans who have always believed in me,” Ashwin said.

England, who won the toss and batted first in the first Test, were bowled out for 246 in the first innings despite captain Ben Stokes’ (70 runs) half-century and the spin attack of Ashwin (3 for 68) and Jadeja (3 for 88). At the end of the day’s play, Rohit Sharma (24 runs) lost the wicket of Team India, with the help of young players Yassavi Jaiswal (76* runs) and Shubman Gill (14* runs) scored 119 runs.

India vs England 1st Test Day 2 Cricket Match Highlights: India 421/7 on Day 2, lead by 175 runs

Day 2 of the India vs England 1st Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium witnessed India ending the day at 421/7, holding a commanding lead of 175 runs. The highlight of the day was KL Rahul’s elegant knock of 86, steering India past England’s first-innings total of 246.

In a bid to surpass England’s score, India began the day on 119-1. Part-time spinner Joe Root opened the bowling for England and quickly made an impact by dismissing the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal (80) in his first over. Jaiswal, who looked dangerous, managed to score a four off Root’s second ball but eventually offered a high return catch, allowing Root to make a crucial breakthrough.

KL Rahul, who was given a lifeline when Ben Foakes missed a tough chance behind the stumps, continued his impressive form. Even though Shubman Gill had a close call, with Ben Stokes losing sight of the ball against the sun, Root’s off-spin was surprisingly absent from the attack, unlike the previous day when Jaiswal dominated the England spinners.

Tom Hartley, recovering from a challenging debut, redeemed himself by dismissing Gill for 24, claiming his first wicket in international cricket. Rahul, displaying his prowess, hit two sixes in a Rehan Ahmed over, propelling India into the lead. He went on to form substantial partnerships, including a half-century stand with Shreyas Iyer (35) and another with Ravindra Jadeja, consolidating India’s dominant position.

However, the tables turned when Ahmed removed Iyer, with Hartley taking a catch in the deep. In an unexpected twist, the English duo combined once again to dismiss Rahul, who expressed his frustration by throwing his bat after falling victim to a Hartley half-tracker when a century seemed within reach.

Ravindra Jadeja stood strong at 81 (155), accompanied by Axar Patel on 35 (62). With India firmly in control and a lead of 175 runs, the hosts aim to build on their advantage on the upcoming days of the Test match.