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Yasir Shah wants to play against Ravichandran Ashwin

by Manuj Sharma Monday 17 October 2016

Yasir Shah (left) became the joint-second fastest to 100 wickets in Tests

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah expressed his desire to compete against Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin provided they get to play each other.

Shah has been the mainstay of Pakistan's spin department after Saeed Ajmal was banned from bowling for an illegal bowling action. Even though Ajmal, managed to get his action cleared, Shah's performances have convinced the selectors to have him as the frontline choice especially in the longer format.

After picking 19 wickets from four Tests against England, Shah entered the first Test against West Indies in Dubai with a tally of 95 wickets from 16 matches.

Even though, he missed the record for the fastest to the 100 Test wickets which is held by England's George Lohmann (16 matches), he became the joint-second fastest to the milestone following his five-wicket haul against West Indies in the first innings.

Ashwin, who reached the three-figure mark in 18 Tests wished Shah prior to the game in his social media platform Twitter.

@faizanlakhani @Shah64Y good luck,may the force be with him.He is such a delight to watch.
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) October 12, 2016

The 30-year-old said Ashwin's message was inspirational and is hoping to play against the off-spinner and the Indian team in the near future.

"Yes, he had said good luck so I am thankful," Shah said of Ashwin's tweet.

"It's naturally motivating when a great bowler who is second fastest to 200 (wickets) tweets a good luck message and it's really a great motivation for me.

"Every Pakistani and Indian player has this wish to play against each other.

"I have not played a Test against India so it's my wish."

After Shah reached the milestone, Ashwin went on to congratulate him and assigned him a new target as well.

Just a little late I guess, but very well done @Shah64Y.Double it up now.????
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) October 16, 2016

In the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan, the visitors need 251 more runs to win with eight wickets in hand on the final day to claim a 1-0 lead in the series.