‘It was always a bit of a pain for us’: Australian pacer Mitchell Starc uniquely praises just-retired Ravichandran Ashwin

Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc has paid a glowing tribute to the just-retired Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, saying he was ‘a bit of a player’ for the Indian side in some of their memorable contests Down Under. “He was a troublesome presence,” he said. Ashwin, India’s best off-spinner, surprised the cricket world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement midway through the Test series against Australia. He retired from the game as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 matches, second only to the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

Ashwin played 23 Tests with Australia from 2011 to 2024 and scored 115 scalps, including a 10-wicket haul and seven five-wicket hauls. He also played a major role in India’s series victory in 2020-21.

“He (Ashwin) has always been a thorn in our side in India and here in Australia he did well in the series. It’s been a great career and I’m sure he’ll be celebrated as such,” Starc told SEN. The radio after the third test here ended in a draw.

“His numbers speak for themselves. He has been a great bowler for India for a long time and has over 500 wickets.”Ashwin has a great relationship with Australian off-spinner Nathan Ryan and the two Both had over 500 wickets.

“He (Ashwin) has a close working relationship with Nathan (Lyon) and there is mutual respect between the team and for a player of his caliber. Congratulations to him on his career. Great. It was a career and I’m sure it will be celebrated as such,” Stark added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)