Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, has been pretty active on social media platforms ever since the country went into a nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The wily spinner has been conducting quizzes for his fans at regular intervals whereas he also invites legends of the game in his latest Instagram show, ‘DRS With Ash‘.
Recently, the 33-year-old Ashwin had Sri Lanka’s veteran and a legend of the game, Muttiah Muralitharan, on his show. The duo spoke on various aspects, MS Dhoni’s greatness as a captain and recalled Murali’s iconic moment when he became the only bowler, till date, to attain 800 Test scalps.
Murali attained the feat during India-Sri Lanka’s Galle Test in 2010. With the Lankans being on top and requiring the last Indian wicket, Murali was stranded on 799 scalps in his farewell Test. Just then, he had a hilarious conversation with Indian tail-enders Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha during the drinks break.
Recalling the incident, Ashwin began by saying, “Ojha said that he gave away his wicket on purpose, considering Murali’s stature and the landmark. Everybody trolled him in the dressing room. Even if you hadn’t ‘purposely’ thrown your wicket away, Murali would have got you the next ball.”
To this, Murali replied, “I didn’t say anything to Pragyan Ojha, I told Ishant Sharma during the water break ‘Ishant, just start playing shots. It’s the last wicket. Despite all this, India is not going to draw or win. Give me your wicket and go. At least I will be satisfied.” (TimesNowNews)