India vs England: Jonny Bairstow and R Ashwin set for century of Tests together

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and star England abetter Jonny Bairstow are poised to mark their 100th Test match appearance together.

When they take on the field during the fifth and final Test match between India and England at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The match, part of a series that has captivated audiences with its blend of competitive spirit and individual brilliance, holds special significance as it not only celebrates individual achievements but also underscores the enduring appeal of Test cricket.

Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and has since navigated through the highs and lows of international cricket with remarkable resilience and skill. His journey to this landmark has been punctuated by numerous records and accolades, including becoming only the second spinner after Anil Kumble to amass over 500 wickets in Test cricket. Ashwin’s tenure under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, in particular, heralded a golden phase in his career, highlighting his pivotal role in India’s bowling attack.

Jonny Bairstow, on the other hand, made his Test debut for England in 2012 and has had to earn his stripes in a competitive setup. Despite facing challenges and fluctuations in form, Bairstow’s resurgence under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum has been nothing short of spectacular. His aggressive batting approach has revitalized his career, making him an integral part of England’s Test squad. Bairstow, 34, will become the 17th Englishman to win 100 Test caps at this mountainous town after debuting in 2012.

The duo’s entry into the 100th Test club in Dharamsala will place them amongst an elite group of cricketers and marks only the fourth instance in Test cricket where two players have reached this milestone in the same match. The first such event occurred in 2000 when former England captain Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart reached the landmark against the West Indies at Old Trafford.

The second incident involved three players: South Africans Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and Stephen Fleming, who played their 100th Test against New Zealand in Centurion in 2006. The third was Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke in the England-Australia Ashes match in Perth in 2013. Ashwin and Bairstow will represent their respective teams in the fifth and final Test on Thursday.

India have already secured an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against England.