BGT: A Surprising Announcement, Cummins Responds to Ashwin's Mid-Series Retirement

Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) The captain of Australia, Pat Cummins, remarked that the announcement of Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket, made midway through the Border-Gavaskar series, was a surprising development for him.

The 38-year-old off-spin allrounder declared his retirement soon after the completion of the third Test between India and Australia, which ended in a stalemate on Wednesday.

"A bit of a surprise. He’s certainly a champion player for them, having played extensively over the past 10-plus years. He’s enjoyed a remarkable career," Cummins shared with ABC Sport after the day's play.

Ashwin, who has participated in 106 Tests for India, with his last match being the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, has taken 537 wickets and accumulated 3503 runs. He stands out as the only Test cricketer to have achieved over 500 wickets and six centuries in the longest format of the game. Additionally, he ranks as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, trailing Anil Kumble.

With a record of 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, including one on debut, Ashwin is tied for second place alongside the late Australian great Shane Warne, only behind Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 67. At the time of his retirement, Ashwin held the record for dismissing the most left-handed batsmen in Test cricket, with 268 wickets.

Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath also praised Ashwin, stating on ABC Sport, "His statistics are astounding. Over 500 wickets in Tests and taking wickets at an average of 24.00, which I don't believe any other spin bowler has accomplished at that strike rate of 50.7. His 537 Test wickets is the second all-time for India, behind Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets."

The 38-year-old also has 156 ODI wickets from 116 matches and 72 wickets in T20Is from 65 games for India.

West Indies cricket legend Ian Bishop celebrated Ashwin's 14-year international career, stating, "Thank you, Ravi Ashwin. I'm grateful that you were part of the international game for such an extended period, excelling at it. You taught, educated, and entertained us all," he posted on X.

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who played alongside Ashwin both internationally and at the domestic level, also praised him for his successful journey at the highest level.

"A GOAT retires. Congratulations on what has been an outstanding career. I am proud to have played with you, and you are undoubtedly the greatest ever to represent TAMIL NADU," DK shared on social media.

"Legend of the game @ashwinravi99, I wish you all the best for the future," expressed Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood.