India vs Australia Highlights, 3rd Test Day 5: R Ashwin announces immediate retirement from international cricket, set to fly home tomorrow

Here's Pujara's tribute on X for R Ashwin, who retired on Wednesday: 

Many congratulations on a career you can be very proud of Ash! Your dedication and contribution to Indian cricket, consistently over a long period of time, will be etched in history, as one of the best to have represented the country!

Over the years, we have shared countless memories on and off the field; and your decision today suddenly brings a lump in the throat, and a flashback of some of the great times we have shared on the road - memories I'll truly cherish!

While this chapter may have come to an end, am sure you will be involved in and around the game and have lots more to contribute to Indian cricket and the game in general. Wishing you and the family all the very best for all that lies ahead, and am sure we will catchup soon to celebrate :)

As a teammate and friend - it has truly been an honour and pleasure to have played with you!

Washington Sundar's touching tribute on X:

Ian Bishop, thoughtful as ever: Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained

Dinesh Karthik: A GOAT retires. Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99 Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends

Ajinkya Rahane: Congratulations on an incredible journey, @ashwinravi99 ! Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter!

Venkata Krishna B: A fitting farewell would have been one where Ashwin leads the team to the dressing room while raising the right hand with the red ball in his hand. A true match-winner. Hope Ashwin wears the Tamil Nadu whites and signs off by winning the Ranji Trophy at Chepauk. It is one trophy that is missing from the greatest cricketer TN has ever produced.

From The Indian Express IDEA EXCHANGE with R Ashwin:

You had also said that if it was up to you, you would pick being a batsman instead of a bowler. Were you just emotional when you said that?

I don’t say anything just because I’m emotional. If I had a son or have daughters now who want to play cricket, I’d still make them bat, there’s no two ways about it. I’ll ask them to bowl so that they understand what a bowler thinks. Australia is the most successful cricketing country in the world. They’ve got some great batters. But consistently, they have been built by superstar bowlers for decades. They look after them. Pat Cummins was 19 or 20 when he had a stress fracture. He was looked after, was put in cotton wool, and paid his match fee for every single match he missed during that stint. He was treated like somebody who was extremely special, and Cummins has delivered results as a captain and player over the last three years. They know bowlers can win you championships. India is far from it. We do talk a lot about pitches. But batsmen have a lot more good days in India than bowlers do and even when they do have good days, they are not celebrated to the point where you inspire a youngster to say, ‘I want to bowl. I want to pick up a new ball and go’.

A quick tribute from Sandip G:

In the grand lineage of India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin would inhabit a rarified space, a space unto himself. There have been wizards and magicians, artistes and artisans, but few explored the craft with the fervour of a scientist, driven by an unflinching passion to locate its deepest meaning. So much so that it seemed Ashwin bowled not so much to pick wickets as to reach one step closer to understanding the soul of spin bowling, a dutiful pilgrimage.

Harbhajan Singh pays tribute:

Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach and a former teammate of Ashwin, pays tribute:

The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! 

Virat Kohli pays tribute to Ashwin (via X):

I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket. Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy.

From The Indian Express IDEA EXCHANGE with R Ashwin:

From figuring out that Sangakkara doesn’t get LBW to off-spinners to watching videos of Williamson, Steve Smith, understanding the degree of turn on offer on different days of the Test… you have done it all. Could you explain your homework methods?

One day I was talking to Muttiah Muralitharan and he said, ‘put your batting on the back shelf a little bit and bowl a lot more. As you grow older you will learn a lot more about bowling and batting’. I found it to be interesting.

Bowling is a very conscious act because you deliver the first initial action while batting is a very subconscious act as you are reacting to something – – one is action and other is reaction. And I found when the person reacting is uncomfortable that is your first battle won. Ever since maybe 2016 or 2015 itself, I found myself in a zone to make batsmen uncomfortable at the crease. Which is why you don’t see me talking to a lot of batters. I found it peculiar that good batters want to see a bowler chatting to him and who is respecting him. Giving that space is something I always avoided.

My preparation is whether I can disturb the tempo of a batter. Whether Steve Smith would go to off-stump after ten balls or 12 balls. Whether Marnus Labuschange will try to sweep or reverse me first. Or Joe Root, when you go round the stumps in the first eight balls, he would reverse you once. There are two ways of skinning it, do I want to, stop Joe Root from reversing or do I want Root to reverse or get him out. That will depend on where Joe Root is in his career, how confident he is. Has he got a hundred in the first two Tests? Is he in confident space, is he coming from Sri Lanka after making mountains of runs? So I will try and make a plan because I want that early blood.

So a quick recap...

India's spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in all formats after the third test against Australia finished in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday. The crafty off-spinner retires with 537 wickets from 106 tests, which is the second highest by an Indian bowler behind Anil Kumble's 619. Ashwin was not selected for the series-opener in Perth but returned to the side for the day-night second test in Adelaide, where he took one wicket. That match would prove to be his final test after he was left out of the side for Brisbane. "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level," the 38-year-old told reporters at the Gabba.

(Via Reuters) 

READ: Lyon pays tribute to Ashwin

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.

On Ashwin: We are friends, we will remain friends. What can one do. Keep meeting Rahane in Bombay, Pujara hides in Rajkot!

(And then plenty of laughter in the press room as Rohit clarifies Pujara and Rahane have not retired!) 

(On Nathan Lyon's comments about India celebrating avoiding follow on) I have played enough here to know about mind games and what the chit chat is. Personally, that was a moment of celebration We were behind in the game. Two guys fighting... There is no harm in celebrating

Ashwin is going back home tomorrow, confirms Rohit Sharma. 

On his own batting: " I have not batted well. No harm in accepting that. I know I am preparing well, all those boxes are ticked. As long as my mind, feet are moving I am happy. Numbers can tell that it's been a while since I scored some runs but as a person I know my prep and how I am feeling about myself. I am feeling good. Runs might not show but inside I know how I am feeling

This is what Ashwin had to say in his brief speech:

This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer in all formats.

I do feel there's a bit left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day for India. 

I had a lot of fun. I must say I've created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates, even though I've lost some of them over the last few years.

We are the last bunch of the OGs (pointing to Rohit). I think I will be marking this as my end of what I've played at this level. Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be creating a lot of memories if I didn't thank the BCCI and a lot of teammates.

I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been a part of the journey, most importantly Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, Pujara, who have taken the catches, who have been the number one cricketers I've managed to get over the years. Also, a big thank you to the Australian cricket team, who have been very fierce, confident competitors. I've enjoyed my time playing against them. 

I think it's already getting long. I wouldn't be taking any questions, but it's truly a very emotional moment. I don't think I'm in a position where I'll be answering the questions in the right way. Please pardon me for that. Once again, that's my time.

Thanks for being a journalist, that you've been writing good things, some writing nasty things on occasion (smiles). That's a relationship I think we would maintain forever. I hope the cricketers to come in the future to also get the same amount of love that you've given them.
Once again, thank you all.

Rohit Sharma: We went with Jadeja as we wanted to strengthen our batting. Jadeja has been batting really well overseas for a while now, even here in Australia. Yes his bowling he was disappointed but that can happen. 

Rohit Sharma on Ashwin: A true match winner. Whenever crisis, he has delivered. Such a great servant of Indian cricket. He is a very witty guy, funny guy as you just saw in the press conference. I know him from u17. Few years back we all disappeared and then I saw Ashwin taking five-fors. I was wondering who is this as he was a batsman when I saw him first.

Rohit Sharma in PC: I heard (about Ashwin's retirement) first when I landed in Perth. It was obviously lots of things that goes in process. He understands what team is thinking, what combination we thinking. We weren't sure about which spinner was going to play. When I arrived in Perth that was the chat we had. I somehow convinced him to stay for Adelaide. He felt now that if I am not needed, its better to go now. We should respect him. His decision. He was sure. When a player like him soo has had so many moments with Indian team and been a great match winner for us - he is allowed to make decisions

Ashwin didn't take any questions from the media, gave a short speech and walks off. 

Rohit Sharma says he first heard about it when he arrived in Perth and had a chat. 'I somehow convinced him to stay for the pink ball Test,' says Rohit. 

India’s premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on Wednesday. With the series level at 1-1, Ashwin announced his retirement after featuring in the second Test in Adelaide. The veteran off-spinner was seen having a lengthy chat in the dressing room with senior batter and former India captain Virat Kohli during a rain break after Tea on Day 5, following which they shared an emotional embrace.

Read more.

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer," says R Ashwin. 

MASSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT. 

This feels like a big moment.

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon heaped praise on his Indian counterpart R Ashwin, saying he has ‘nothing but respect’ for him and hailed his skillset as ‘incredible’.

Lyon spent a considerable time on the morning of the final day of the Brisbane Test, which ended in a draw after bad weather forced an early end, talking to Ashwin. Later, he was seen in another deep conversation with Ravindra Jadeja.

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.”

Time for the presentation ceremony. Head or Bumrah, who is the player of the match? 

It is Travis Head, for his 2nd century of the series 

And so, rain and light and nature is the eventual winner in Brisbane. 

WE ARE 1-1 HEADING INTO MELBOURNE. 

Players shake hands. Match called off

Screengrab frim Brisbane via Sriram Veera

There is quite a lot of discussion going on in the Star Sports studio about those Ashwin and Kohli embracing visuals. 

Remember, Sriram Veera had said at the start of day's play that Ashwin and Lyon too were having a chat in the middle. 

All speculation of course, at the moment. 

More and more discussion on Star Sports around the visuals of Ashwin and Kohli hugging each other. They are not saying as much but they are hinting at a potential farewell? 

With no action currently, there were visuals shown of Kohli sharing a warm hug with Ashwin in the dressing room. Interesting frames. 

Fox Cricket spotted Travis Head looking ginger during his batting innings. He then did not take to the field for the start of India's innings. But an Australian team spokesperson insists it is incorrect that Head has a groin injury. 

~ via - Cricket Australia

If Accuweather is even half accu, then ya, we are done for the day. Severe thunderstorm warning in place in the Woolloongabba area in Brisbane

via ACCUWEATHER

Bumrah vs McSweeny this series has been one-way traffic. Stat via Star Sports:

66 balls, 15 runs, Strike Rate 23, FOUR dismissals

Well, folks. It would be a massive surprise if we see any more action in Brisbane. Heavy rain falling, as per Sriram Veera and the forecast is not good.

Photo: Sriram Veera

We are technically only a couple of minutes away from scheduled restart, so fair to say we are losing more overs... might all be moot anyway. 

Australia bowler Nathan Lyon said he was surprised by India's jubilant celebrations after the visitors avoided the follow-on in the third test in Brisbane and questioned whether the tourists' batters were up for the fight. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep combined in a defiant 10th wicket stand to push India to safety late on day four on Tuesday, triggering high-fives and back-slapping among teammates and staff at the Gabba. Lyon said India's celebrations had been discussed by his teammates in light of Australia's dominant position despite rain blighting the test throughout.

Read more here.

Ok now the covers are on too as are the umbrellas. Rain and bad light, never a good combination late in the day. 

Matthew Hayden in the Star Sports studio: 'I don't buy it (that Australia's batting was adventurous). I think there is some covering up there, it was a rearguard declaration. It was a shoddy batting display.' 

• If India beat Australia 3-1, they will finish with 138 points and a PCT of 60.52. Australia will only be able to finish with a 57 PCT then, should they win the remaining games in Sri Lanka, effectively knocking them out of the race.

• If India draw Australia 2-2, they will finish with 126 points and a PCT of 57.01. Australia, in such a scenario, can move ahead to 130 points by the end of the series and knock India out of the WTC final race.

Confirmation that TEA has been taken, so we effectively have just one session remaining in this match. The covers seem to be on as well and the floodlights are on too. Let's see if we get any more play today. 

And of course, we have another stoppage. It had gotten quite dark even on the broadcast, and the lights were not doing enough. 

PLAYERS WALK OFF. BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY.

And it looks like tea might have been taken too.

Another lovely shot, this time Rahul down the ground as he plays a classy on drive off Cummins. But there was an absolute peach before that, beating Rahul's outside edge. 

KL Rahul had been just officially censured by the Indian cricket board for participating in a controversial episode of the talk show Koffee With Karan, along with Hardik Pandya.

His friend David Mathias remembers meeting him the next day. “Oh there was nothing to talk about it at all. We have an unfiltered relationship – share everything really that upsets or excites us. That didn’t feature much. Mothers of our friends did say, ‘Oh but Rahul was such a good boy in that!’ The only thing KL told me is from now on if anyone asks you to recount any funny stories about me, tell them you have plenty but none to share!”. There are two Rahuls out there – the tattoo-loving, Pandya’s party-friend KL and the more sober Rahul, who grew up idolising Rahul Dravid’s batting. In times of crisis, KL takes the back seat, and the mature Dravid-ish Rahul version props up to take control. And there have been a few setbacks from injuries to being dropped to vicious trolling about his strike rates in white-ball cricket for him to handle.

Forget anything funny, but for a batsman who is playing in his 56th Test, been a captain, an opener, a floater, a keeper, Rahul’s story has been devoid of stature that goes with that kind of record. Almost always under pressure if runs didn’t come or relief when they came. Until this tour of Australia, where he has been India’s top run-scorer past midway in the series.

Read more by Sriram Veera here.

Confirmation on broadcast that there are still potentially 53 overs left in the day. Hayden, the man from these parts, warns about a dark gathering of clouds around Gabba. 

At least not a first-over dismissal this tome for Jaiswal against Starc. Gets going with a flick for three through midwicket. Looks like he is trying to walk forward a bit against Starc. 

It does look quite gloomy at the Gabba right now. 

FORECAST: Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then tending south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon.

Mitch Starc has the new ball in hand. Australia are a bowler down, but they will come hard at India for sure. 

Jaiswal and Rahul in the middle. Target 275... but realistically India have to negotiate just over 50 overs if weather and light permit (highly unlikely as that may seem) 

Well, there we go. A bit cruel on Nathan Lyon as he was all geared up to have a go! Poor Gaz. 

But Australia have DECLARED at 89/7 after batting for 18 overs. So just over 50 overs perhaps left in the match, technically. 

Weather still very much a factor. 

TARGET FOR INDIA: 275 

Australia are without Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of this match (and likely, the series). So they have two more wickets to play with here. Nathan Lyon is all geared up too inside, so maybe they are jus looking to get bowled out. 

Well of course, Bumrah strikes. End of a superb little cameo from Cummins as he falls for a 10-ball 22. Slower ball from Bumrah, Cummins skies it to KL Rahul on the offside. The captain has a little chat with Carey as he walks off.