Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has paid a glorious tribute to the just-retired India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, saying he has been "a bit of a thorn" for their side in some of the memorable contests Down Under. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, on Wednesday surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement in the middle of t꧟he Test series against Australia.
He retired from the game as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalp𝔉s from 106 matches, placing him only behind the legendary Anil Kumble (619 ♋wickets).
Ashwin played 23 Tests against Australia from 2011 to 2024, taking 115 scalps, inc✤luding a 10-wicket and seven five-wicket hauls. He also played a big in India's stunning series win in 2020-21.
"He (Ashwin) has always been a bit of a thorn in our side over in India and played a part in series here in Australia. It's been a fantastic career and I'm ༒sure it will be celebrated that way," Starc told SEN Radio afteꦓr the third Test here ended in a draw.
"His numbers speak for themselves. He's been an inജcredible bowler for India for a long time, over 500 wickets."
Ashwin enjoyed a great rapport with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, both of whom havౠing 500-plus wickets.
"He (Ashwin𒆙) has got a close working relationship with Nathan (Lyon) and that mutual respect between teams and for someone of his calibre - congratulations on his career. It's been a fantastic career and I'm sure it will be celebr꧋ated that way," added Starc.
