Yasir wants match with Ashwin after breaking his record

Pakistani leg-spinner became fastest Asian to claim 100 Test wickets


Sports Desk October 17, 2016
Yasir Shah (R) delivers the ball on the fourth day of first day-night Test on October 16, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah expressed desire for a showdown with India’s Ravichandaran Ashwin after he completed his five-wicket haul in Dubai against the West Indies in the first of three-match Test series on Sunday.

The leggie became the joint-second quickest to 100 Test wickets when he claimed five scalps for 121 in his 17th match, overtaking the Indian all-rounder who achieved the feat in 18 matches.

Yasir revealed his wish for a Test face-off with Ashwin in what would be a battle of two of cricket’s fastest wicket-taking spinners.

Yasir Shah becomes fastest Asian to claim 100 wickets in Tests

“Every Pakistani and Indian player has this wish to play against each other,” said Yasir. “I have not played a Test against India so it’s my wish,” he added.

Heading into the Test against the West Indies, Ashwin tweeted a good luck message to Yasir. He showed support for the Pakistani spinner saying, “Good luck, may the force be with him [Yasir].” The all-rounder added that Yasir is “a delight to watch”.

The Pakistani leg-spinner later said that Ashwin’s words were an inspiration. “Yes, he had said good luck so I am thankful,” said Yasir. “It’s naturally motivating when a great bowler who is second fastest to 200 wickets tweets a good luck message and it’s really a great motivation for me.”

Ashwin wishes Yasir ‘good luck’ before his 100th Test scalp

Ashwin became the second fastest to 200 wickets in the recently concluded home series against New Zealand, reaching the mark in 37 Tests. And he urged the Swabi-born spinner to follow the suit as well.



This article initially appeared on cricket.com.au

COMMENTS (2)

FAZ | 7 years ago | Reply Dear Yasir Your team right now needs you to bowl like Bishoo. Forget your comparisons and aspirations and do what the pitch was made for you to do Regards A frustrated Pakistani who happened to have watched the second innings of Pakistan
Yousuf47 London | 7 years ago | Reply Yassir will have to do more as he lack the wrong un putting doubts in a batsman which way it would turn. Yassir Shah is too predictable with ball turning from right to left with no variation. He may have to get back to the drawing board to learn bowling the other way and to use it often in the future. Good luck to him
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