India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ended 2015 as the No.1 Test bowler in the ICC test rankings, which were released today following the conclusion of the Boxing Day Tests in Durban and Melbourne.
Ashwin, who took 62 wicket in the nine tests this year including 31 scalps in the four matches against South Africa. He became the No.1 ICC Test bowler since Bishen Bedi in 1973 to achieve this milestone of finishing the year on top.
Bishen Bedi, an ICC Hall of fame, is the only Indian bowler climbed No.1 in Test table, while Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Kapi Dev and Anil Kumble peaked at No.2 during their careers.
Reacting to the news, Ashwin said: “Finishing the year as the number-one ranked Test bowler is like an icing on the cake that I have managed to build over the past last 12 months. I always wanted to get there one day. There can’t be a better way to finish the 2015″.
“Replicating what Mr Bedi did is something I am very proud of. The former India captain was a master at his craft and I am very humbled to follow in his footsteps.
“I would like to thank my Test captain Virat Kohli, who has been a big influence, and, of course, the team management, my team-mates and the BCCI for their continued support.”
Ashwin achieved the No.1 spot for first time in his career. Ashwin’s successful season was reflected in his ranking after he started this in No.15 Test Bowler and surely but moved to the top of the chart.
Another Indian Bowler, Ravindra Jadeja, who impressed us against South Africans, ended the year at sixth position. Ashwin and Jadeja are the only two Bowlers in the Top 10 ICC Test Bowler Rankings. Ravi Ashwin is the No.1 ICC test all-rounder.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane ended the year at No.11. He is the only Indian batsman in the top 20.
STATS OF RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN IN 2015 :
Matches – 9
Innings – 17
Wickets – 62
Average – 17.62
5 Wicket haul – 5