“He may have been a bit frustrated” - Former Australia cricketer analyzes R Ashwin’s sudden retirement after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Australian keeper-batter Brad Haddin feels Ravichandran Ashwin's shock retirement from international cricket stemmed from frustrations due to repeated changes regarding spin-bowling in the Test series against Australia. Haddin's statement came after the veteran announced his retirement during a presser.
The 38-year-old's final Test was the one played in Adelaide as the management swapped him for Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI in the third Test. However, Ashwin couldn't deliver as per expectations as Australia leveled the series with a ten-wicket victory.
Speaking to Fox Cricket, the retired Aussie cricketer said:
"More will come out when Ashwin has his opportunity to speak; just reading between the lines, it looked like he may have been a bit frustrated with the spinning options that they’ve changed in the first three Test matches."
Meanwhile, ex-Aussie speedster Brett Lee harked back to Graeme Swann's retirement midway through the 2013-14 Ashes series and speculated:
"I think the last time a spinner retired through a series (in Australia) was Graeme Swann. He may have been told that he’s not going to play any further part in this series, and rightly so, (he) just decided to go out on his own terms."
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer is the most prolific off-spinner produced in Tests by India, picking up 537 wickets in 106 Tests at 24 apiece alongside 37 fifers and eight ten-wicket hauls. He is also the second-highest wicket-taker for India in the format, behind Anil Kumble, whose tally is 619.
"I’m going to miss his bowling" - Michael Vaughan on Ravichandran Ashwin
Vaughan expressed his admiration for Ashwin, claiming that he was nearly unplayable in Indian conditions, adding:
"I’m going to miss his bowling, that flight, carom balls, his abilities to bowl in all conditions… (in India) a batter has got no chance when you’re facing that quality."
With the third Test between India and Australia resulting in a draw, the five-match series is still locked at 1-1.