“We’ve got different opinions on different things” - Nathan Lyon pays tribute to retiring R Ashwin after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

As Indian off-spinner and all-rounder R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test at The Gabba ended in a draw, his counterpart and Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon paid tribute to the 38-year-old.

Speaking to Fox Cricket after the game, Lyon stated that he spent considerable time having a conversation with Ashwin earlier on the final day (Wednesday, December 18) of the Test.

“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.

R Ashwin did not feature in the Brisbane Test and when asked about him making way for Ravindra Jadeja, Lyon stated that Ashwin is among the world's best spin bowlers.

“It’s an interesting question. You’ve got someone sitting [on the bench] with 530-odd Test wickets and I’m walking to the ground, scratching my head saying ‘What are you doing?’. He’s proven that he is one of the world’s best spin bowlers to ever play the game.”

While Lyon expected Ashwin to play in Melbourne and Sydney as well, the Indian decided to call it quits mid-way through the series itself. Lyon added that having someone like Ashwin on the bench highlighted the quality of cricketers in the Indian squad.

“[It] more than surprises me (that Ashwin didn’t play). That’s the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You’ve got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets [537] and then Jadeja over 300 wickets [319]. It’s pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench. It’s a good headache to have," the Australian off-spinner concluded.

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R Ashwin ends as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests

As R Ashwin announced his retirement after not playing in The Gabba Test, the previous Test in Adelaide became his last international match for India. The off-spinning all-rounder ends his career as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

Ashwin bagged 537 Test wickets at an average of 24.00 and an economy-rate of 2.84. He is only behind the legendary Anil Kumble, who has the most Test wickets for India with 619 scalps.