R Ashwin retires [Source: @Ayyappan_1504/X.Com]
In the latest big development, Ravichandran Ashwin, the premium Indian spinner has decided to retire from all forms of cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Series. The veteran cricketer has been a stalwart for the Indian side and was still performing well for the side, and hence, the retirement comes as a surprise.
In the three Tests so far in the Border-Gavaskar series, Ashwin only featured in the Adelaide Test, and was benched for the other two matches.
R Ashwin, Test cricket stats
Arguably one of India's best spinners, R Ashwin made his international debut in 2010 and has been a regular feature for the side across formats since then.
Over the years, he shifted his focus on Test cricket and became one of the world’s best. In 106 Test matches, the wily spinner picked up 537 Test wickets, averaging 24, including 37 five-wicket hauls. He is also the second highest wicket-takers for India in Tests, and is just behind Anil Kumble, who had 619 Test scalps.
Interestingly, Ashwin had communicated his retirement to the team management before the Test series Vs Australia. Still, Rohit Sharma, the India skipper convinced the spinner to play the Pink-Ball Test match.
I don't want to make it about myself. This is my last day as international cricketer. I have created a lot of memories. We are the last bunch of OGs in the dressing room. Lot of people to thank, BCCI, my fellow teammates, all the coaches, Ashwin said, as quoted by RevSportz.
Rain god saves Australia’s blushes at Gabba
Australia had a lead of 185 runs after the first innings, but they lost a flurry of wickets as the team wanted to score some quick runs.
Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with the ball as the Aussies declared at 89/7. India needed 275 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series, however rain god had some other plans as rain combined with lightning and bad light spoiled the match and it got abandoned.