India vs SA, first Test: Records that can be scripted
What's the story
India and South Africa gear up for an intense three-match Test series, starting October 2 in Vizag. The two sides are set for a grueling first Test as one expects plenty of excitement along the way. Meanwhile, there are several records that are in line to be scripted. Here we take a look at the same.
Jadeja
Jadeja can achieve these two brilliant feats
Indian spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is on verge of becoming the fastest left-arm spinner to 200 Test wickets. The 30-year-old has 198 Test scalps to his name in 43 matches. Jadeja needs two scalps to surpass record-holder Rangana Herath. The former Lankan spinner had achieved the feat in his 47th Test. Jadeja can also become the 10th Indian bowler to register 200-plus Test wickets.
R Ashwin
Premier spinner Ashwin can equal Murali's record
Premier Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has 342 Test wickets in 65 matches. Ashwin needs eight more to register 350 scalps. If he gets eight wickets in Vizag, then that will see him equal Muttaih Muralitharan to become the joint-fastest to 350 scalps. Murali had achieved the mark in 66 Tests. Meanwhile, Ashwin can also be the fourth Indian bowler to amass 350-plus Test scalps.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant in line to be most capped Indian fast bowler
Ishant Sharma is currently tied with former pacer Zaheer Khan in terms of playing the most Tests for India as a fast bowler (92 each). Ishant, who is set to feature in Vizag, will take part in his 93rd Test and get past Zaheer's tally to be the most capped Indian fast bowler. Ishant has 278 wickets at 33.41.
Feats
De Kock and Shami eye these feats
Quinton de Kock (428 runs) is the leading run-scorer in Tests this year for South Africa. He needs 72 more to get past 500 runs in 2019. He will become the sixth batsman to do so. Australia's Steve Smith (774) leads the show. Mohammed Shami (153) needs four more wickets to surpass former Indian bowler Srinivas Venkataraghavan (156) in terms of career Test scalps.