R Ashwin shocked everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third BGT 2024 Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. Ashwin was not picked for this Test match, having only played in the second Test in Adelaide.
Ashwin has picked 537 wickets in 106 Tests and finishes the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests after Anil Kumble’s 619. He also finishes his career as the world’s seventh-highest wicket-taker and has the most wickets in Tests for an off-spinner.
With 115 of those 537 wickets coming against Australia at an average of 28.58 in 23 Tests, Ashwin was one of the leading wicket-takers in Test matches against Australia in the last 13 years.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who currently stands on the 23rd spot in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket, called Ashwin as a thorn for their side in India.
“Obviously big news I guess. You know his numbers speak for themselves. He has been an incredible bowler for India for a long time. He has over 500 wickets. He has got a close working relationship with Nathan. And mutual respect between teams and for someone for his calibre, congratulations on his career. He has always been a bit of a thorn in our side in India. And played a part in a series here in Australia. So yeah, it has been a fantastic career. And I am sure he will be celebrated that way,” Starc told SEN Cricket after the Test match.
The 38-year-old had taken 75 wickets in 12 Test matches against Australia when playing in India, and his total of 115 wickets against Australia in Test cricket is the greatest of any country he has faced.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins, the Australia captain, expressed surprise at R Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket. Cummins believes Ashwin will be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, given the length of his career.
“Bit of a surprise. He has obviously been a fantastic player. There aren’t too many finger spinners who have that kind of longevity. He will go down as one of the all-time greats. He has always been a fantastic competitor. We have had a lot of battles against him over the years in Australia as well as in India. Massive respect from our dressing room for the career that he has had,” Cummins said in the post-match press conference.
The Indian off-spinner finished with an average of 24 and a strike rate of 50.73 in Test matches, capturing 537 wickets. Ashwin had taken 383 of 537 Test wickets while playing in India.
