Shaheen, Ashwin become Test cricket's leading wicket-takers of 2021

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have become the leading wicket-takers of 2021 — taking 44 wickets each. The Pakistani pacer took his 44th wicket on Sunday.

Shaheen has 44 Test wickets this year from only eight Test matches, while Ashwin has taken the same scalps from seven matches. Both players are featuring for their teams, as Pakistan are on a tour in Bangladesh, while India are facing New Zealand at home.

Meanwhile, the lanky left-arm pacer expressed happiness at the development, saying that he always tries to get Pakistan to win matches through his bowling. 

He spoke about hunting batters with bowling partner Hasan Ali, who is also in spectacular form these days. 

"I enjoy bowling with the new ball. We [Shaheen and Hasan] back each other and try to get wickets while bowling in tandem. Even in the second innings, we kept the pressure from both ends," he said. 

Shaheen Afridi said the Pakistani bowlers will do their utmost to ensure Bangladesh are dismissed for a low score Monday on a pitch that has more to offer to bowlers than batters. 

“We hope to take early wickets Monday morning and restrict the hosts to a low total in the second innings on a track where batting is not all that easy," he said. 

He added that the ball has already started turning. "Spinners are getting help from the wicket which is keeping low also."

Meanwhile, bowling coach Vernon Philander will be heading home today (Monday) following the news of travel restrictions being imposed on African countries due to the spread of the latest COVID-19 variant Omicron.