Ashwin Looks Beyond Kumble's Record After Conquering Mount 500

RAJKOT: R Ashwin is a content man after becoming only the second Indian to take 500 Test wickets and has no interest in chasing Anil Kumble's national record of 619 scalps. Ashwin dismissed England opener Zak Crawley in the final session on day two and became only the ninth bowler to scale 'Mount 500' in Test history. The 37-yearold Ashwin said he has no particular aim of pushing for more and try and get to Kumble's record.

"The very simple answer is 'no'… 120 wickets away. Every day is what I want to live for, and, I'm 37 years old. I don't know what's in store next," Ashwin told the media here after stumps on the sec- ond day. "What's in store for the next two months? You play this series and then what lies ahead, you really don't know.

"I don't want to really jump the gun. I've kept it this way for the last 4-5 years and it's been very simple and it's worked for me. Why change anything that's working for you?" Ashwin added.

Recalling his journey on one of the most memorable days of his career, Ashwin said he could only look back and say ''not a bad achievement''.

"It's been a very long journey. I don't exactly know where to begin because I was an accidental spinner. I wanted to be a batter all along. Life gave me a chance.

"When I walked into the CSK dressing room, Muttiah Muralitharan didn't want to bowl (with) the new ball and eventually I got tossed the new ball.

"I had a reasonable first- class (cricket) start to my life. (The) first-class career was pretty good. But never- theless, the stage in the IPL made me made me visible to a lot of people and I eventually got my Test debut.

"People doubted me whether I could be a Test bowler and 10-13 years later… not bad, not a bad achievement. I'm pretty glad," he added.

Ashwin did not appear being one for big celebrations given his focus on the ongoing Test.

"It's in a very innocuously placed time, the Test match, (the) second day… I think it's hanging in the balance. It's a good time to celebrate, probably go have dinner and then think about it (and) how far I've come in life," Ashwin added.

With Nathan Lyon also having completed his 500 Test wickets last December, Ashwin revealed getting congratulated by the Australian wicketkeeper.