"One of the world’s best spin bowlers" - Lyon, Cummins, Starc pay heartfelt tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin

Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced a surprise retirement from international cricket after the third Test between Australia and India at Gabba, Brisbane. Ashwin didn't play the game but he had already decided to retire.

After the announcement, the cricketing world was caught by surprise. Even the Australian players, who were disappointed after the draw in Brisbane, expressed their opinions on the legendary offspinner. Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc paid tribute to Ashwin after the match and wished him on his brilliant career.

Also read: Why did Ravichandran Ashwin retire suddenly during BGT? Spinner was ‘A bit frustrated with…’

"One of the world’s best spin bowlers" - Nathan Lyon to Ravichandran Ashwin

Australia's GOAT spinner Nathan Lyon paid a heartfelt tribute to his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin following the latter's retirement. Lyon lauded Ashwin's work ethic and his skills with the ball but also admitted about the difference in opinions between them.

"Nothing but respect (for Ravichandran Ashwin). Just the way Ash has conducted himself on and off the field for a number of years now, and his skill set is incredible. We've got different opinions on different things, there's no right or wrong. But to have those conversations with a bowler like Ashwin is amazing," Lyon told Fox Cricket.

When asked about Ashwin's absence from the Playing XI at Gabba, Nathan Lyon expressed his surprise. He called Ashwin one of the best spinners to have ever played with over 500 wickets in his Test career.

"It’s an interesting question. You've got someone sitting (on the bench) with 530-odd Test wickets, and I'm walking to the ground, scratching my head, saying, 'What are you doing?' He’s proven that he is one of the world’s best spin bowlers to ever play the game," Lyon reckoned.

Both Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon are offspinners and have played a significant role in their side's success over the years. While Lyon is more like a traditional offspinner, Ashwin relies more on his variations.

Both the players were also seen discussing tactics and bowling plans ahead of the fifth day of the Gabba Test. Both players shared their knowledge with each other and spoke about the game plans for different situations.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc on Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc too congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin on a wonderful career. Cummins was slightly surprised by Ashwin's decision and called him a champion.

"A bit of a surprise. He's obviously been a champion player for them, played a lot over the last 10-plus years. He's had a wonderful career," Cummins said.

From one champion to another. 🇦🇺🤝🇮🇳

Pat Cummins pays tribute to Ravi Ashwin as the Indian spinner announces his retirement from the national team.

ABC listen: https://t.co/tPDBryXWRY
Read more: https://t.co/qodWXkFNCd #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SdYraIEgmb

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) December 18, 2024

Mitchell Starc too congratulated Ashwin on an incredible Test career in which he played over 100 Tests for India. He admitted to the fact that Ashwin was difficult to play in India but also claimed that he performed in Australia as well.

"Yeah, obviously a big news I guess. His numbers speak for himself. He has been an incredible bowler for India for a long time. He has got over 500 wickets. Now, he has got a close working relationship with Nathan (Lyon). (There is) mutual respect between teams and someone of his calibre," Starc said.

"Congratulations on his career. He has always been a thorn in India and played a part in the series in Australia. It's been a fantastic career and I'm sure it will be celebrated that way," he added.

Mitchell Starc reflects on Ravi Ashwin's career after he announced his retirement today 👇#AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy https://t.co/KGdNWIjWhC pic.twitter.com/KRQUgcMFES

— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 18, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin's records in Tests

R Ashwin is truly one of the greats of the game and he has the numbers to prove it. He retires as India's second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble. Ashwin picked up 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24.

He picked up 37 five-wicket hauls which is the most for an Indian bowler in Test cricket. He also retires as the player with the joint-most Player of the Series awards (11) in Test cricket alongside the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran.