R Ashwin breaks Anil Kumble's 18-year-old record at Wankhede

Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin added yet another feat to his Test career on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand. Taking three important wickets for 63 runs, he surpassed legendary Anil Kumble to become the highest wicket-taker at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, scalping 41 wickets across six matches at an average of 19.75 as well. Kumble held the record of 38 wickets in seven matches so far.

R Ashwin bounced back in the second innings

However, Ashwin’s performance on the second day of the Test gave a much-needed breakthrough to the hosts. After going wicketless in the first innings with figures of 0/47 in 14 overs, he bounced back in the second innings, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order as well.

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His first dismissal was the star New Zealand player Rachin Ravindra, whom he removed with a clever stumping setup. Ashwin then dismissed Glenn Phillips, who initially attacked Ashwin with two sixes. However, Ashwin had the last laugh as he used his carrom ball to deceive Phillips as well. Switching from around the wicket to over the stumps after being hit for two sixes, he corrected his angle and flight to trouble Phillips, who was left baffled as the carrom ball. The ball then pitched on the leg stump, and sharply turned to hit the top of the off-stump as well.

Ashwin's spell will give him a much-needed boost

His third scalp was Will Young, who was also got out by his carrom ball. Attempting a drive, Young ended up smashing the ball straight back to the bowler, giving Ashwin his third wicket and tightening India’s hold on the game. Ashwin’s stunning show, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket haul, left New Zealand struggling at 171/9 by stumps, on Day 2 as well.

However, this three-wicket haul will give confidence to Ashwin, as he heads into India’s upcoming five-match Test series against Australia as well. Having managed just six wickets in the last five innings of this series which came at an average of 51.33, his Day 2 performance helped him to get back his rhythm.