R Ashwin surpasses Wasim Akram in number of wickets in Tests

India spinner R Ashwin surpassed former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram in the wickets tally in Test cricket. Ashwin returned with a three-for during the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur and now has 416 scalps in the format, two more than Akram. 

Ashwin dismissed Will Young, Kyle Jamieson and Somerville during the course of the innings. 

Akram on the other hand has 414 wickets to his name from 104 matches. The record of the highest number of wickets in Test cricket is held by Muttiah Muralitharan. The former Sri Lankan spinner picked up 800 wickets in 133 Tests while Shane Warne and James Anderson follow him at number two and three respectively. 

Warne has a total of 708 wickets in 145 Tests to his name. Anderson, on the other side, has dismissed 632 batsmen in his career so far in 166 matches. 

Former India captain Anil Kumble has 619 Test scalps to his name from 132 matches. 

Talking about the match, the hosts took a first innings lead of 49 runs after bundling out the Blackcaps for 296 in the first innings.