Nathan Lyon’s unanswered question on why R Ashwin quit midway through Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ‘I was scratching my head’

Nathan Lyon, one of Ravichandran Ashwin’s fiercest rivals and colleagues, paid a glorious tribute to India’s spin wizard on his retirement, but in that distinction lay a reason why India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests announced his decision in the middle of the ongoing boundary -Gavaskar Trophy. The pink-ball day-night Test in Adelaide last week will go down in history as Ashwin’s last ever appearance for India as he took after MS Dhoni from the 2014-15 tour Down Under.

As it turns out, last week’s pink-ball day-night Test in Adelaide will go down as Ashwin’s final appearance for India. Ashwin would have skipped that if he had his way. The decision is somewhat surprising considering India is yet to play a Test match in Sydney, which traditionally provides a lot of support for the spinners. India could have played two spinners – Ashwin was one – but the master tactician clearly had other plans. When Lyon poured out his heart and paid his respects to Ashwin, he made a valid point that could well have made Ashwin decide to go on a date before the series begins.

“Nothing but respect. The way Ash has carried himself on and off the field for several years now and his skills are incredible. We have different opinions on different things; there is no right or wrong. But to have this.” Conversations with a bowler like Ashwin are amazing, from different variations to different tactics. We are both very different. “So our conversation this morning was brilliant and I hope we have more of that as the series progresses and in the future.” Lyon said while speaking to Australian broadcasters during the rain break on day five of the Gabba Test.

“That’s an interesting question,” Lyon said when asked about India using three different spinners in Perth, Adelaide and now Brisbane. “There’s someone sitting (on the bench) with over 530 Test wickets and I go down and scratch my head and say, ‘What are you doing?’ He has proven that he is one of the best spin bowlers of all time. That’s more than the quality of Indian cricketers they have in this squad, with over 530 wickets and then Jadeja over 300 wickets (319). It’s quite remarkable to see the quality of players on the bench.

Why R. Ashwin retired in the middle

And with that, Lyon hit the hammer on the head. While there is no doubt about Ashwin’s pedigree as a spinner, the fact that Ashwin is unlikely to see himself factored into India’s plans led to the conclusion. India’s next Test appearance after this series will be in July when India travel to England for a five-Test series. The last time Ashwin played a Test match in England was in the 2021 WTC final against New Zealand in Southampton. Before that, in 2018. In fact, Ashwin was not included in India’s playing XI in any of the five Tests during the 2021 tour.

His record in SENA nations (72 wickets from 26 Tests) is a far cry from his performances at home (383 wickets in 65 matches). And with the clock ticking, Ashwin saw fit to ride off into the sunset on his own terms. Ashwin’s knee problems only confirmed his decision to retire, which he first considered at the end of 2021.

India is also in the middle of a transition phase and is planning the next cycle of the World Test Championship, which is expected to feature many youngsters. After Washington Sundar proved his mettle in the home series against New Zealand, the all-rounder is expected to be Ashwin’s successor. And India would hope for a worthy one.

However, Lyon wasn’t finished yet. Soon after Ashwin made it official, Lyon once again congratulated Ashwin on his wonderful and legendary career.

“Ash, as a fellow off-spinner, not only do I thank you, but you have also been an incredible player for India and world cricket. It was a pleasure watching you, playing against you, competing against you. I would like to wish you that.” “All the best. Congratulations on a great career,” he added.