The second Test is being played in Chennai between India and England. In the second innings of India on the third day, Ravichandran Ashwin hit the 5th century of his Test career. He has hit five wickets and a century in the same test thrice. He is the first Indian player to do so. Earlier on the second day, Ashwin broke Harbhajan Singh's record of taking the most wickets in India. He also apologized to Bhajji for this.
Former England cricketer Ian Botham has scored 5 wickets and a century in a single test, the maximum 5 times. After this comes the name of Ashwin. Apart from him, Gary Sobers of West Indies, Mushtaq Ahmed of Pakistan, Jacques Kallis of South Africa, and Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh have done it 2-2 times.
Apart from Ashwin's century what has won everyone's heart is Mohammed Siraj's celebration when the off-spinner struck his century. Siraj was on the other end, when off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was on the cusp of getting his 5th Test century. The moment Ashwin hit the ball over the slips and towards the boundary, Siraj, while running punched the air in delight several times and smiled so wide that it looked like he had got the century.
Following the stumps of Day 3, Ashwin talked about his hundred and Siraj's celebration. He said, "I will sleep well through the night, that is all that I am thinking. Even after the last Test, we spoke about how we are going to counter Leach and probably bring sweep to the game. Last time I was sweeping, I was 19 years old, I hit a bit of sweep shots well today. I am thankful the plan has paid off. Sort of had a very good day. I can't say it's been happening in the last three days, I have been practicisng with Vikram Rathore (batting coach), I would love to credit him with how my batting has come through over the last four- five matches.
"I don't know when the next Test is going to be here, but I am pleased. In the past, he's (Ishant) been with me when I got hundreds at home and once Siraj came, I knew how to approach. I was thrilled for his batting and told him to go through the line of the ball. It was amazing to see how excited he was when I got my hundred. I don't know what the team is feeling like but I am sure they are thrilled. I can't thank the crowd enough, they have been very supportive," added Ashwin.
Watch Siraj Celebration Video: