NEW DELHI: The recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin has received a magnificent homage from Australia pacer Mitchell Starc who claims that the India off-spinner has been “a bit of a thorn” for their team in some of the most memorable matches.
In the middle of the Test series against Australia, Ashwin shocked cricket fans on Wednesday by declaring his retirement.
With 537 wickets from 106 games, he finished his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing only the great Anil Kumble (619 wickets).
Between 2011 and 2024, Ashwin played in 23 Test matches against Australia, capturing 115 wickets, including a 10-wicket and seven five-wicket hauls. He also had a significant role in India’s incredible 2020-21 series victory.
“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 after the third Test here ended in a draw.
“His numbers speak for themselves. He’s been an incredible bowler for India for a long time, over 500 wickets.”
Both Ashwin and Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who have taken more than 500 wickets, got along well.
“He (Ashwin) 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 celebrated that way,” added Starc.