James Foster hails Ashwin as one of cricket's finest spinners

New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Following the announcement of India's Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, former England cricketer and coach James Foster praised the spinner from Chennai, declaring him as one of the finest spinners in cricket history. Ashwin, aged 38, made his retirement known after the conclusion of India's third Test match against Australia, which he did not participate in, ending in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Ashwin concluded his 14-year international journey with 537 wickets at an average of 24 over the course of 106 Tests, becoming India's second highest wicket-taker behind the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. In addition to his wicket-taking feats, he scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties.

His final international appearance was during the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he captured 1-53 in his 18 overs and contributed 29 runs with the bat, although India lost by ten wickets. Ashwin also played in 116 ODIs, claiming 156 wickets, and was part of the teams that triumphed in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He participated in 65 T20I matches, securing 72 wickets.

"Ashwin is undeniably one of the game's greats. He is one of the best spinners cricket has ever seen. What distinguishes him is his ability to adapt and evolve continually. At the elite level, players need to adjust as opponents develop strategies to counter them, whether in batting or bowling. Ashwin consistently introduced new elements to his bowling and significantly contributed with the bat, establishing himself as a top-class all-rounder. He should take immense pride in his achievements in Test cricket," Foster shared with IANS.

Ashwin's career highlights include being named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016, as well as earning a place in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020). He played a crucial role in India’s success at home and was a key figure in the historic 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. His talent was not confined to red-ball cricket, as he also thrived in white-ball formats, taking 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 scalps in 65 T20Is. A vital member of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams, Ashwin’s versatility and cricketing acumen set him apart.

Foster, a seasoned player himself, openly discussed his cricket experiences, including his current role coaching in the Lanka T10 Super League with the Jaffna Titans franchise. “It’s been a very enjoyable week and a half here. This franchise has been fantastic to work for — it’s well-run from top to bottom, and we’re having a lot of fun,” Foster remarked.

“The key to T10, given its brisk format, is fostering a comfortable atmosphere for the players. You need to quickly build camaraderie among the players, sometimes within just a day or two, and occasionally players may join on match day itself. The goal is to provide clear direction, emphasize essential coaching principles, and define player roles,” he elaborated. “Once players grasp their roles, it’s about granting them the freedom to showcase their skills.”

Reflecting on T10 cricket's future, Foster acknowledged its increasing popularity. “T10 is undoubtedly fast-paced, which aligns with contemporary preferences for quick and thrilling experiences. While the format may appear straightforward, it demands exceptional precision and skill, or else you risk being exposed very quickly. T10 is on the rise, with more leagues emerging globally, and it's exhilarating to be part of such competitions.”

Foster fondly remembers his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. “My four years with KKR were splendid. It’s a top-tier franchise, excellently led by Venky Mysore. The experience was first-rate and incredibly enjoyable,” he reminisced. “Traveling across India and witnessing the passionate support from the Kolkata fans was truly remarkable. Given the chance, I would absolutely participate in the IPL again. It’s arguably the best competition globally, where top players compete in front of enthusiastic crowds,” he reflected.

Offering wisdom to aspiring cricketers, Foster stressed the significance of time management and remaining grounded amidst the myriad of opportunities in modern cricket. “The game has transformed tremendously since my playing days. Back then, it was mainly county cricket in England or competing for the national team. Now, numerous global opportunities exist. Young players should prioritize refining their skills rather than getting overwhelmed by the sudden influx of chances. Being an excellent team player is vital, and coaches appreciate leadership qualities within the squad,” he advised.

As Foster readies himself for his next role, leading the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, his enthusiasm continues to shine. “After this league, I’ll head home for a few days before traveling to Dubai for the ILT20. I’ll be leading the Desert Vipers in my third season there. It’s a fantastic competition, and I’m fortunate to be part of a well-managed franchise. With Tom Moody as the Director of Cricket and a strong support staff, we have an exceptional group of players. I’m eagerly anticipating what we can achieve this season,” Foster concluded.