Kuldeep Yadav’s outstanding fifer prompted R. Ashwin to graciously refuse the match ball and insist that Kuldeep lead India off the field after the first innings.
The first day of the fifth Test match between India and England at Dharamsala witnessed a dominant bowling performance from the Indian spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin sharing nine wickets between them. Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, claimed a fifer (five wickets) for 72 runs, while the veteran off-spinner Ashwin bagged a four-wicket haul (4/51) in his 100th Test match, adding to his already impressive tally of 511 Test wickets.
Following the conclusion of England’s innings, which saw them bundled out for 218 runs, a heartwarming moment was captured between the two spinners as they walked back to the pavilion.
Ashwin took the final wicket, dismissing James Anderson for a duck, marking his 100th Test with four scalps. Despite teammates’ insistence to celebrate his milestone, Ashwin insisted Kuldeep lead off the field.
Kuldeep was spotted throwing the match ball as a souvenir toward Ashwin as a gesture of appreciation for his 100th Test milestone and his contribution with the ball. However, Ashwin returned the ball, acknowledging Yadav’s brilliant performance and his crucial five-wicket haul in the match. Kuldeep, overwhelmed by the gesture, acknowledged the crowd’s cheers and his teammates’ applause.
While Yadav and Ashwin stole the show with their performance, India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with a crucial wicket, conceding only 17 runs in his spell.
With England dismissed for a relatively low score, India will be looking to capitalize on the situation with their batting to put themselves in a commanding position in the final Test of the series.
Last Updated on March 7, 2024
