Celebrations continue for Indian pacer Ishant Sharma. A week after scalping a five-fer in the first Test against West Indies, the senior cricketer celebrates his 31st birthday on Monday. Born on September 2, 1988, the right-arm quick is a veteran of the game and is leading the Indian pace attack in the longest format of the game. The Delhi-born pacer came into the limelight when he bowled memorable scintillating spells on India’s 2008 Tour of Australia. In the third clash of the Test series at Perth, the rookie tormented Australian legend Ricky Ponting and dismissed the batsman in both the innings. Ishant possessed great skills but was often criticised for being inconsistent as the pacer tended to get wayward with his line and lengths. However, the bowler worked hard on his game and has delivered some great performance in the past one year. Ishant Sharma Overtakes Kapil Dev’s Record with 156th Test Wicket Outside Asia.

The speedster made his international debut in May 2007 and is standing strong after a decade in international cricket. The pacer took 275 wickets in 92 Tests which includes 9 five-wicket hauls as well as a 10-wicket haul. Known for his heroics in the longest format, the bowler has a decent record in limited-over games too. In ODIs, the bowler featured in 80 matches and took 115 wickets. So, on the occasion of Ishant’s 31st birthday, let’s have a look at five fiery bowling spells bowled by the veteran in the international cricket. India Vs West Indies, Live Cricket Score 2nd Test Match. 

4/38 Against Australia, Melbourne

As a 19-year-old rookie, the pacer bowled a jaw-dropping spell against the famed Australian batting line-up in the 2008 Commonwealth Bank one-day international series. Ishant took four wickets in the match and the hosts were bundled out for mere 159 runs batting first. The Men in Blue chased down the total with five wickets in hands and Ishant was adjudged as the Man of The Match.

6/51 Against New Zealand, Wellington

The speedster was breathing fire in the second Test of India’s 2014 Tour of New Zealand. In the first innings of the match, Ishant made full use of the ideal overcast conditions and rattled the Kiwi top order. The Test specialist took 6 wickets to dismiss the hosts for 192 in the first innings. However, Brendon Mccullum’s scored a splendid triple-century in the third innings of the match and the clash resulted in a draw.

2/36 Against England, Birmingham

Often criticized for his inability to bowl in the limited-overs game, Ishant played a vital role in guiding India to the 2013 Champions Trophy. In the final of the tournament, Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara were looking all set to take England over the line. However, Ishant dismissed both the batsman in the 18th over of the match and turned the match into India’s favour. Later, the Men in Blue won the match by 5 runs and lifted the title.

7/74 Against England, London

Ishant Sharma bowled a fiery spell in the second Test of India’s 2014 Tour of England and inducted his name on the Lord’s honours board. After going wicketless in England’s first innings, the pacer made a great comeback and registered his best Test figures in the last innings of the match. The bowler used the bouncer to a great effect and took seven wickets. Sharma’s heroics guided India to a famous 95 runs victory and earned him a Man of the Match award.

5/43 Against West Indies, Antigua

Sharma’s latest heroics with the ball came in the first Test of India’s 2019 Tour of West Indies. The lanky pacer made perfect use of the new ball and demolished the Caribbean batsman in the second innings. Courtsey the pacer’s effort, West Indies got bundled out for 222 in the second innings and later India won the match by the margin of 318 runs.

The pacer is currently participating in the 2nd India vs West Indies Test in Jamaica. In India’s first innings, the veteran shocked everyone by scoring his maiden Test half-century. The speedster has been in terrific form and will aim to guide India to a series white-wash. The inaugural ICC World Test Championship has also gone underway and India will bank on the veteran to bowl some lethal spells and guide India to the title.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2019 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).