#OTD: Anil Kumble became the first Indian bowler to scalp 600 Test wickets

Kumble picked up 600 Test wickets vs Australia [Source: Twitter]

On this day, 15 years ago, arguably India's greatest spinner, Anil Kumble became the first Indian bowler to pick up 600 wickets in Test cricket. He achieved the feat against Australia at the famous WACA, Perth.

The third Test at WACA was a boiling affair between India and Australia. The infamous Monkeygate incident took place in the previous Test at the SCG and Team India had a point to prove heading into the third game of the series.

Australia went with four quicks, and India batted first on a spicy track that assisted the pacers. Despite losing Wasim Jaffer cheaply, India laid a strong foundation with Virender Sehwag and  Rahul Dravid consolidating against a quality Aussie pace attack.

This was Rahul Dravid at his best as India's number three played with grit and determination, but eventually missed out on a well deserving hundred by 7 runs. Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar also chipped in with a gritty 71 as India posted a healthy 330 on the board.

In reply, Australia a flurry of wickets, but it was the partnership of Adam Gilchrist (55), Andrew Symonds (66) that brought the home side back in the game. But it was RP Singh, who was the chief destroyer with the ball, picking up 4 for 68.

However, the first innings is remembered for Kumble's magnificent feat. He took the all-important wicket of Symonds, and became the first Indian bowler to scalp 600 Test wickets. 

BCCI

@BCCI

🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣8️⃣ in Perth @anilkumble1074 became the first Indian bowler to claim 6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Test Wickets 👏🏻👏🏻 #TeamIndia

Jan 17, 2023, 9:15 AM

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India posted 294 in their second innings, largely thanks to a great cameo from Irfan Pathan (46), and VVS Laxman (79). 

Australia were set a target of 413, which was by no means an easy feat to achieve. The Aussie did provide a resilience in the form of Ricky Ponting (45), Michael Hussey (46), and Micheal Clarke (81), but the world witnessed a breath-taking spell from a young Ishant Sharma, and an inspired bowling from Pathan (3-54), as the home side eventually crumbled and got dismissed for 340.

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