Nathan Lyon, Australia off-spinner, has paid rich tributes to his rival and Indian offie R Ashwin, who announced retirement from international cricket on December 18. Lyon said he had "nothing but respect" for Ashwin and hailed his skillset as "incredible."
R Ashwin announced his decision to bring his international career to an end during a press conference at the end of the third BGT 2024 Test in Brisbane. The Test ended in a draw after rain completely washed off the play after tea was taken.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest off-spinners in Indian cricket history, Ashwin served the national team with distinction. Across all formats, he played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, taking a remarkable 775 wickets.
"Nothing but respect (for 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 said while speaking to Fox Cricket.
Earlier in the day, the Indian spinner spent a long period conversing with Lyon. Lyon stated that the two discussed 'various versions, different techniques, and understanding what he's trying to do'.
"We are both very different. So our conversation this morning was brilliant and I hope we have more through the series and in the future as well," Lyon said.
R Ashwin managed only one Test in the ongoing BGT 2024, as he played in the second Test in Adelaide and managed one wicket and scored 22 and 7 runs.
India used three different spinners in the first three Tests of the series, with the team management opting for Washington Sundar in the opening Test in Perth.
Asked about this, Lyon told the Australian broadcaster: "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."
Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India, taking 775 wickets across all formats. In Tests, Ashwin has claimed his wickets at an impressive average of 24 and a strike rate of 50.7, including 37 five-wicket hauls.
Lyon said he expected Ashwin to play in Melbourne and Sydney.
"[It] more than surprises me (that Ashwin didn't play). That's the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You've got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets [536] and then Jadeja over 300 wickets [319]. It's pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench. It's a good headache to have,” Lyon signed off.
