R Ashwin dedicates 500 Test wickets milestone to his father: 'He's been through thick and thin of everything'

India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday dedicated his feat of getting to 500 Test wickets to his father. Ashwin was on 499 wickets before the start of the third India-England Test in Rajkot, and got to the milestone with the wicket of Zak Crawley in the 14th over on Day two of the Rajkot Test on Friday. He became the ninth bowler overall and only the second Indian, after Anil Kumble, to register 500 wickets in Tests.

“It’s been quite a long journey. I’d like to dedicate this 500th wicket to my father. He’s been through the thick and thin of everything I’ve done in my life… he’s had heart attacks every time I’ve played. His health has gone for a toss because he’s watched games of mine on TV constantly and been a constant support for me. 500 wickets, done and dusted now,” Ashwin told the official broadcasters Sports18 after stumps on Day 2 on Friday.

Ashwin said that England were batting as though they were playing limited-overs cricket, but the hosts’ strategy won’t change.  “England are showing a lot of intent, playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game. Given us a lot to think about, we have to keep doing what we’re doing and hope that one goes to hand,” added Ashwin.

Ashwin admitted that come Day 5, the pitch in Rajkot would eventually become difficult to bat on. Ashwin stressed on the fact that it was important to handle pressure very well.

“I expect this pitch to get really tough to bat, probably on day five. We need to hang in there… The game is hanging in the balance. Some things go our way tomorrow morning and we’ll find ourselves dominating. They’re putting us under pressure but it’s important to respond,” concluded the 37-year-old.

England were 207/2 at stumps on the second day, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on  and Joe Root not out on 9. They trail India by another 238 runs. The five-match series is level 1-1.