Mitchell Starc hails Ravichandran Ashwin for fine career, says he was always a thorn in Australia’s flesh

Australia’s gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc showered praise on Ravichandran Ashwin for having a fine career. The off-spinner decided to hang his boots on Wednesday and revealed the shocking news in a press conference at Brisbane after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.

Ashwin finished his Test career with 537 scalps, the second-highest for India after Anil Kumble (619) and seventh-highest overall, in 106 Test matches.

The all-rounder also amassed 3503 runs in the red-ball version, including six Test centuries. Ashwin bagged 156 ODI wickets in 116 matches whereas he snared 72 wickets in 65 T20I matches. 

Starc said Ashwin always troubled them as he had a fantastic record against them. The veteran off-spinner took 115 wickets in 23 Test matches against Australia at an average of 28.58. 

Mitchell Starc said on SEN Cricket, “Obviously, it’s big news. His numbers speak for themselves. He’s been an incredible bowler for India for a long time. He’s got over 500 wickets. He’s got a close working relationship with Nathan and mutual respect between teams for someone of his calibre. Congratulations on his career.

“I mean, he’s always been a bit of a thorn in the flesh for our side over in India and played a part in series here in Australia. So yeah, it’s been a fantastic career and I’m sure it’ll be celebrated that way.”

On the other hand, Ashwin revealed there is still some fuel left in his tank and he would continue playing at the club-level.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India].”

The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26th December.