Indian cricket is lucky to have Ravichandran Ashwin: Waqar Younis

Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis has heaped lavish praise on Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and backed the off-spinner to break more records after he surpassed the former Pakistan pacer and Australian pacer Dennis Lillee to become the second fastest bowler to take 200 wickets in Test.

The Indian spinner took ten wickets in India’s victory in the first Test against New Zealand at Kanpur. In the process, he took his 200th Test wicket in 37 Tests. Waqar Younis and Dennis Lillee had reached the milestone in 38 Tests.

Talking to Hindustan Times, the legendary pacer said:”I am happy for an intelligent bowler like Ashwin. Without a doubt, he is a quality bowler and what he has achieved is amazing.He is not just taking wickets but also scoring runs. His all-round performance is outstanding. I am happy for him that he has achieved this milestone.”

Waqar, who played 87 Tests and took 373 wickets, said that the Indian bowling star has age on his side and has enough time to break several records.

“He is young and has a lot of time. He can break a lot of records. Indian cricket is lucky to have such an all-round talent,” said the former cricketer.

Remembering his 200th Test wicket, Waqar said:“It took me a couple of matches to get to my 200th Test wicket (and) I think I got it in New Zealand. To get my 200th Test wicket, I had to wait a lot. I got it in the second inning. I think he (Nash) was the second-last man to get out.”

Well, he was right as he dismissed New Zealand batsman Dion Nash for his 200th wicket in 1995.

Ashwin’s record in India is nothing short of astonishing but he has failed to replicate that form in overseas condition. However, the former Pakistan skipper said that every cricketer enjoys home conditions and this argument should not overshadow Ashwin’s incredible achievement.

“It’s always is a challenge to perform in overseas tours, especially Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. But when Australia or New Zealand come to India or to the subcontinent, they always struggle. I think everyone enjoys cricket at home and they should,” said Younis.