Nagpur: Ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who became the fastest bowler to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets in his 54th match, breaking Dennis Lillee’s record during India’s win over Sri Lanka in the Second Test at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium, enjoyed the Jungle Safari at Pench National Park the other day. As the Second Test ended on the fourth day itself, Ashwin, along with friends, decided to use the spare time by enjoying the Jungle Safari at the world famous Park.
Notably, Australian fast bowling legend Lillee had reached the milestone in 56 Test matches way back in 1981 and it took 36 years for another bowler to eclipse the record. Ashwin is also ahead of some of the illustrious names, who had completed the milestone in quick time. The off-spinner finished the Test with eight wickets — four in each innings — to take India to a comprehensive win by innings and 239 runs to match their largest victory margin in Tests.
The Assistant Forest Conservator of Pench National Park Ashish Bansod said that the record-breaking off-spinner arrived at the park along with his Tamilnadu colleague Vijay Shankar and two other friends on Tuesday. They went on Jungle Safari and cherished the moments in the serene atmosphere. During the adventure, Ashwin and others had rendezvous with Tigers at Alikatta area of the National Park. The sight of the cricketers thrilled the other tourists who made a beeline to click selfies with them.
“I am die-hard wildlife lover. I always embark on Jungle Safari whenever I get spare time,” Ashwin disclosed after tour. The cricketers returned to Nagpur in the evening on the same day and later left for Delhi along with other members of Indian cricket team. The Third Test is starting at Delhi’s Firozeshah Kotla Ground on December 2.
