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.
R Ashwin announces retirement from Test cricket
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.
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