Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Nathan Lyon's wicket tally in WTC history

It was Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand which saw Ravichandran Ashwin become the frontrunner in the list of the leading wicket-takers in the five-year history of the World Test Championship. Having bowled in four innings fewer than Nathan Lyon, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with scalps of Tom Latham and later Will Young.

Ashwin, on 186 wickets, ahead of the second Test in Pune attached parity with Lyon in the very first over of him getting introduced to the crease. An exquisitely-drifted delivery that spun on bouncing trapped the Kiwi skipper in front. Latham did not bother to go for a review as he walked straight back to the dressing room.

His second dismissal was in the form of Young on the very final delivery of his ninth over. In all honesty, it wasn't the greatest delivery bowled by the wily off-spinner. Sarfaraz Khan convinced Rohit Sharma to take the review which resulted in India's favour.

Since the first cycle of the WTC which got underway in 2019, Ashwin has managed to register nine four-wicket and 11 five-wicket hauls ahead of the ongoing Test, with Lyon picking up 11 and 10, respectively.

Also Read: Reports: Harshit Rana set to be released from India squad, will play in Delhi's next Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash

Ashwin goes past Lyon in the overall wickets tally    

The third wicket inflicted by India came courtesy of Ashwin again as he dismissed the well-set Devon Conway who looked good in the middle. A second catch for Rishabh Pant saw the southpaw getting dismissed on 76.

Also Read: 'You don’t need an artiste like Kuldeep' - Sanjay Manjrekar defends Washington Sundar's inclusion in XI for 2nd NZ Test

With that particular dismissal, Ashwin secured yet another milestone by going past his Australian competitor's Test tally while playing 25 Tests fewer than him. Ashwin has looked the most potent Indian bowler by far in the ongoing game against the Black Caps.