‘Can see Ravi Ashwin pushing 600+ Test wickets at least,’ believes Brad Hogg

‘Can see Ravi Ashwin pushing 600+ Test wickets at least,’ believes Brad Hogg

Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg heaped massive praises for Indian all-rounder Ravi Ashwin. He termed the off-break bowler as a selfless and competitive cricketer who is doing well for his national side.

Ravi Ashwin is undoubtedly one of the best spin bowlers India have ever produced. The 34-year old recently breached the 400-wicket mark during the historic series victory against Australia in their home conditions. He also won the ‘Man of the Series’ award by claiming 32 wickets during the four-match Test series against England on Indian soil earlier this year.

During a recent interview with Times Now, the Aussie reckoned that Ashwin would breach the 600-wicket mark in his Test career. He also added that he can break Muttiah Muralitharan’s unimaginable record of 800 scalps.

“Ashwin is 34 now. I think he will probably play till 42 in Tests. I think his batting might drop off but he’ll be more lethal with the ball by the time passing by. I can see him pushing 600+ Test wickets at least. He might even break Muttiah Muralitharan’s record (of 800 Test wickets) as well. The reason why I think he’s so good because he is adaptable and his hunger of continuing to grow up as a cricketer. He also played county cricket to get used to England conditions and that’s how he has become so successful especially in recent years,” said Brad Hogg.

‘Ashwin mentoring Axar Patel during the England series was amazing’

Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel

The former cricketer also lauded the leading wicket-taker for India (67 wickets in 13 matches) in the World Test Championship cycle for mentoring debutant Axar Patel during the recently-concluded England Test series. Brad Hogg mentioned that it has helped to improve Patel’s performances which enhanced the quality of the Indian bowling attack.

”The other thing is Axar Patel has dominated in the last couple of Test matches while opening the bowling with Ashwin, but the way Ashwin handled himself there to mentor Axar, is simply amazing. Cricket is a team game. It has helped in his (Axar’s) performances, making them an improved bowling unit. Ashwin is a really selfless cricketer and is creating wonderful things in Indian cricket,” Hogg added.

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