Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from International Test Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin retired with 537 Test wickets, India vs Australia 3rd test match in Brisbane ends in a draw
- Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement; Bids farewell as Second-Highest Wicket-Taker of India
- India vs Australia 3rd Test: Brisbane Test Ends in a Draw as Rain Plays Spoil Sport.
- Jasprit Bumrah plays cameo off with useful contribution
- Rain halts play: 3rd test draw keeps series level at 1-1.
- Ashwin Sudden retirement During Border-Gavaskar Trophy leaves Cricket Fans stunned
It was in a stunning but historical declaration when, mid-series in the India-Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ravichandran Ashwin chose to stop his international Test cricketing career. Cricketing enthusiasts and experts as a whole were left reeling with such an unprecedented decision. The move was in a rain-marred 3rd Test match in Brisbane, in which the game went to a draw after five full days of riveting cricket.
With the end of an era due to Ashwin’s exit, the 3rd Test, however, saw India’s best performance by the pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, in tandem with the unpredictability of weather that saved both sides from defeat.
Ashwin Retire: Legendary Career comes to a Close
Ravichandran Ashwin ends his Test cricket career, becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 537 wickets in 106 matches. He had left just behind Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets. Well-known for his cutting cricketing mind and matchless off-spin, Ashwin’s career exit came in an inexplicable MS Dhoni style when he shocked the nation by retiring during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2014.
Ashwin first entered international cricket in 2011, against the West Indies. He was one of those match-winners for India on most home grounds. With precision and variation to fox batsmen, Ashwin stood proud with the ICC award as Cricketer of the Year in 2016 and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
Ashwin said of his decision:
“It’s not gonna take too much time, this will be my last day as an Indian cricketer… I had a lot of fun.”
Ashwin leaves behind a rich legacy of records, holding the No. 1 ICC Test bowling rankings multiple times.
India vs Australia: 3rd Test Ends in a Draw
The 3rd Test in Brisbane, which was set for a thrilling finish, ended in a draw due to persistent rain interruptions on Day 5. After Australia declared their second innings at 89/7, they set India a target of 275 runs.
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul of India began the chase cautiously as they took the score to 8/0 when the heavens opened up. It was the incessant rain that forced the umpires to call off the match with the series levelled at 1-1.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Last-Day Heroics
Before the rain spoiled the party, Jasprit Bumrah gave a magnificent performance, leading India’s bowling attack. Bumrah picked up 3 key wickets, dismantling Australia’s top order and raising hopes of a dramatic victory for India.
Support came in the form of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, who took 2 wickets each. They really rattled up the Australian batting lineup. With such pressure, Australia could still declare at 89/7.
Bumrah’s spell on Day 5 was a reminder that he can thrive under pressure and be spearheaded in the India attack in crunch moments.
Rain: The Deciding Factor
Rain was the real game-changer in the 3rd Test. The pitch offered support to both pacers and spinners, and the game was perfectly poised when rain took charge. 275 was the target for India, which was challenging yet achievable with batting depth.
Continual showers finished all hope of a result being reached on the final day. Fans were left dismayed as the 3rd Test went into a tame draw, leading to an alluring Boxing Day Test for Melbourne.
Series Level at 1-1: What’s Next?
With the series now level at 1-1, both India and Australia will look to take the lead in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. India’s pace attack, coupled with their solid batting lineup, will aim to capitalize on their momentum.
On the other hand, Australia will look to rebound and, in this light, would be unhappy to go without a win at Brisbane. It’s going to be a high-stakes game and fiery competition as well as both teams vie to take the series lead.
Read also
- India vs Australia 3rd Test Match Highlights: Day 4- India 252/9
- India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 2: Travis Head, Steve Smith in charge as Australia reaches 405/7
- Australia Levels Border-Gavaskar Series: India’s Batting Woes Continue in Adelaide Test
Conclusion
With the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, comes the end of a golden era for Indian cricket. He would inspire generations of budding cricketers with his achievements and contributions to the team. Meanwhile, in the rain-marred 3rd Test, India showed off their resilience and Jasprit Bumrah’s ball-play brilliance.
The series heads to travel to Melbourne, and cricketing fans around the world are in for another exciting game. Ashwin will stay away from international cricket; however, his legacy as one of India’s finest spinners will stay forever.
🗣️ “I’ve had a lot of fun and created a lot of memories.”
All-rounder R Ashwin reflects after bringing the curtain down on a glorious career 👌👌#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/dguzbaousg
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
