R Ashwin retires: Nathan Lyon (RIGHT) paid rich tribute to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (LEFT). (PHOTOS: AP)
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon heaped praise on his Indian counterpart R Ashwin, who announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Wednesday. Lyon said he has ‘nothing but respect’ for him and hailed his skillset as ‘incredible’.
Speaking to reporters after the Brisbane Test, which ended in a draw, Ashwin said Wednesday was his last day representing India in all formats. Earlier in the day, the Indian spinner spent a considerable time talking to Lyon.
Speaking to Fox Cricket, Lyon said: “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 the duo spoke about ‘different variations, different tactics 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.
Ashwin, who played in the Adelaide Test, had to make way for Jadeja for the third match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have played three different spinners in the first three Tests of the series, with the team management opting for Washington Sunday in the first 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.”
Lyon said he expected Ashwin to play in Melbourne and Sydney. However, Ashwin called time on his career later in the day. “[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.”
The series is level at 1-1 after three Tests. The fourth Test in Melbourne will begin on December 26.
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