Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his surprise retirement from international cricket after the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, Brisbane. Ashwin is not playing but he has decided to retire.
The cricket world was shocked after the news was announced. Even Australian players who were disappointed after the draw in Brisbane expressed their feelings about the legendary off-spinner. Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc paid tribute to Ashwin after the match and wished him a brilliant career.
Also Read: Why did Ravichandran Ashwin retire suddenly during BGT? Spinner was “a little frustrated with…”
'One of the best spin bowlers in the world' – Nathan Lyon on Ravichandran Ashwin
Australian goat spinner Nathan Lyon has paid a heartfelt tribute to India's Ravichandran Ashwin following his retirement. Lyon praised Ashwin's work ethic and ball-handling skills but admitted there were differences between them.
“Nothing but respect (for Ravichandran Ashwin). Like what Ash has done over the years on and off the field, his skills are unbelievable. We have different views on different things, there is no right or different point of view.
Nathan Lyon expressed his surprise when asked about Ashwin's absence from the starting XI at the Gabba. He called Ashwin one of the best spinners who took more than 500 wickets in his Test career.
“It's an interesting question. There's someone sitting (on the bench) with over 530 Test wickets and I go out on the ground scratching my head and saying, 'What are you doing?' He's proven to the world One of the best spin bowlers of all time,” Lyon believes.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon are both off-spinners who have played an important role in the team's success over the years. While Lyon is more of a traditional off-spinner, Ashwin relies more on his variant.
The two players were also seen discussing tactics and bowling plans ahead of the fifth day of the Gabba Test. The two players shared their knowledge with each other and talked about game plans for different situations.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc on Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement
Meanwhile, Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin on a brilliant career. Cummins was a bit surprised by Ashwin's decision and called him a champion.
“It's a bit of a surprise. He's obviously their championship player and has played a lot of games over the last decade or so. He's had a great career,” Cummins said.
From one champion to another. 🇦🇺🤝🇮🇳
Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has announced his retirement from the national team and Pat Cummins has paid tribute to him.
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Read more: #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SdYraIEgmb— ABC Sports (@abcsport) December 18, 2024
Mitchell Starc also congratulated Ashwin on his incredible Test career, playing over 100 Tests for India. He admitted that it was difficult for Ashwin to play in India but claimed that he also performed in Australia.
“Yeah, I think it's obviously big news. His numbers speak for themselves. He's been an incredible bowler for India for a long time. He's got over 500 wickets. Now, he's on par with Nathan ( Lyon) has developed a close working relationship with the team and there is mutual respect between people of his caliber,” Stark said.
“Congratulations on his career. He has been a thorn in India's side and played a role in the series in Australia. It's been a great career and I'm sure it will be celebrated in this way,” he added.
Mitchell Starc looks back at Ravi Ashwin's career after announcing retirement today 👇#AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/KRQUgcMFES
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 18, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Test Record
R Ashwin is indeed one of the greatest players in the game and he has the numbers to prove it. He retired as India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. Ashwin took 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24.
He took 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, which is the most by an Indian bowler. He also retired with the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran as the joint-joint player of the series award (11 times) in Test cricket.
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