Nagpur Nov 27 (IANS) India premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday became the fastest bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 300 wickets.
The 31-year-old who bagged eight wickets in the second encounter against Sri Lanka here achieved this feat in 54 matches surpassing the record of Australia s Denis Lillee who achieved the milestone in 56 Tests.
Sri Lanka lower-order batsman Lahiru Gamage was Ashwin s 300th scalp.
"I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets I have only played 50 Tests. It is not easy bowling spin it looks like you are just ambling up " the Tamil Nadu player said on achieving the milestone after the match.
"But there is a lot behind it. We have bowled a lot of overs me and Jaddu (Jadeja). And the break has helped I am a lot more fresher now comparatively " Ashwin added.
Ashwin holds an bowling average of 25.30 in Tests with an economy of 2.88.
--IANS
sam/vm