3rd Test: Brett Lee 'Surprised' by Ashwin’s Decision to Retire from International Cricket
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Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) Australia’s fast-bowling icon Brett Lee expressed his surprise at India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of his retirement from international cricket after the drawn Test at Brisbane, stating that he will be remembered as one of the sport's greats.
Shortly after the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Gabba on Wednesday, Ashwin revealed his decision to retire from international cricket with immediate effect during the post-match press conference.
His final international appearance was the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53 in 18 overs. "This guy is one of the greats of the game. The last time a spinner retired mid-way through a series was Graeme Swann, I believe."
Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin remarked that Ashwin had every right to conclude his 14-year international career with India. “More will come out when Ashwin has his chance to speak; just reading between the lines, it seemed he may have been a bit frustrated with the spinning choices made in the first three Test matches. To me, he was a student of the game (and) always seeking ways to improve … he’s earned the right.”
Hailing from Chennai, Ashwin wraps up his career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-leading wicket-taker, behind legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also achieved six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat. His last international match was the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53.
Ashwin also represented India in 116 ODIs, claiming 156 wickets, and was part of the victorious 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy teams. Additionally, Ashwin participated in 65 T20I matches, securing 72 wickets.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan stated he will miss watching Ashwin bowl. “He may have been informed that he wouldn’t play any further part in this series, and rightly so, (he) just chose to exit on his own terms. I’m going to miss his bowling, that flight, carom balls, his ability to bowl in all conditions … (in India) a batter has no chance facing that quality.”
Australia captain Pat Cummins also paid tribute to Ashwin after the game concluded. "A bit of a surprise, he has been a champion player for them. One of the greats who played a lot over the last 10-plus years. He’s had a wonderful career and has massive respect from our changing room for the career he has had."
