Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday not only raced to the fastest 150 scalps in Indian Test history but also became the first man in over 100 years to bag 50 wickets after opening the bowling during the first Test against South Africa, in progress at Mohali.

Ashwin, who had taken 45 wickets when opening the Indian bowling in Tests in the past, picked up 5 for 51 in South Africa's first innings total of 184 after opening the attack with the new ball.