**Official** 3rd Test @Brisbane (Ewwwww), 14th-18th December

[Gnske]

His local club of CSK will appreciate his undivided attention

 

[Spark]

He may have decided after the first test for some reason. Could be carrying some niggle as well which means he cant be at his best. Best person to decide is the person himself. It is usually the age people retire.

Mid series retirements are just unusual though, and he would have had time to iron out whatever was bothering him before Sydney. I think OS is right and he was informed he was no longer going to be considered for selection, in which case he probably didn't want to play pretend for a few weeks.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Well some pundits may call it "A tame old Draw" but both teams seemed evenly matched throughout the match IMPO. Each team had its moments of ascendancy and low moments when the wheels fell off. So I suppose what each team has to offer on Boxing Day and the Sydney "pink "Test remains to be seen.

Ok

 

[cascade]

I wonder if he'd have been more likely to wait around & play a farewell test in Sydney had the series been decided already by that point. Now it's guaranteed to still be a deciding test.

 

[Spark]

Certainly a more dignified way of retiring than what I fear is going to befall some Aus players though.

 

[Qlder]

Certainly a more dignified way of retiring than what I fear is going to befall some Aus players though.

How so? Aren't Cummins and McDonald on record as saying long term older players will never be dropped and they can retire on their own terms?

 

[halba]

Smith and Cummins seem to be the last of the tough Aussie breed of cricketers. Not sure how the coming generation holds up.

Australia wont have a problem producing fast bowlers. Batters and spinners will certainly struggle.

 

[vicleggie]

Why would Ashwin not at least help the team out in Sydney, and Melbourne if the pitch warrants playing 2 spinners?

With Swann, his team had already lost the series. Here, the series is in the balance.

If Ashwin isn't injured, it's a selfish decision.

 

[Qlder]

Smith and Cummins seem to be the last of the tough Aussie breed of cricketers. Not sure how the coming generation holds up.

That made me laugh. I just can't picture Smith as a tough Aussie breed of cricketer...he looks like he's going to cry every time he gets out lol

 

[Gnske]

Why would Ashwin not at least help the team out in Sydney, and Melbourne if the pitch warrants playing 2 spinners?

With Swann, his team had already lost the series. Here, the series is in the balance.

If Ashwin isn't injured, it's a selfish decision.

Selfish where Tim Southee was selfless and knew the team needed his wickets.

 

[Gnske]

Smith and Cummins seem to be the last of the tough Aussie breed of cricketers. Not sure how the coming generation holds up.

That made me laugh. I just can't picture Smith as a tough Aussie breed of cricketer...he looks like he's going to cry every time he gets out lol

 

[honestbharani]

Mid series retirements are just unusual though, and he would have had time to iron out whatever was bothering him before Sydney. I think OS is right and he was informed he was no longer going to be considered for selection, in which case he probably didn't want to play pretend for a few weeks.

I dont think so. Kumble and Dhoni both retired mid series. Kumble coz of injury, Dhoni coz the series was done. GG has been a huge supporter of Ashwin usually. Ash's parents have also had health scares very recently. It may just be a combination of things and there maybe a niggle too.

 

[Teja.]

Why would Ashwin not at least help the team out in Sydney, and Melbourne if the pitch warrants playing 2 spinners?

With Swann, his team had already lost the series. Here, the series is in the balance.

If Ashwin isn't injured, it's a selfish decision.

Was probably told that by the coach/captain he wasn't going to get picked in the series pending injury. That or his bad back flared up again in training/practice and he felt it's not worth it anymore for him. Last time he was here, he said he didn't play the 4th test because he had brutal recurring back pain return and he could barely move iirc.

 

[GotSpin]

How so? Aren't Cummins and McDonald on record as saying long term older players will never be dropped and they can retire on their own terms?

Thats what Spark is referring to

 

[GirthQuake]

Desperately unlucky for AUS they could have sealed it here.

 

[Qlder]

Why would Ashwin not at least help the team out in Sydney, and Melbourne if the pitch warrants playing 2 spinners?

With Swann, his team had already lost the series. Here, the series is in the balance.

If Ashwin isn't injured, it's a selfish decision.

He was dropped for Perth test and apparently had to be talked into playing 2nd test, then dropped again. I don't think it's selfish at all if you keep getting dropped when you have over 500 wkts

 

[Spark]

Thats what Spark is referring to

Yeah the media environment over the next year could get v v ugly if they hang on for dear life without performing

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

Ashwin: "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level," Ashwin said after the Brisbane Test at a press conference. "I feel there's a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I'd like to express that, showcase that in club-level cricket.

Really good that he will carry on playing domestic cricket, don't see enough of that anymore

He said club i.e. IPL

 

[Qlder]

He said club i.e. IPL

Oh my bad. If it's cash grabbing IPL then I take my "well done" comment back

 

[honestbharani]

He said club i.e. IPL

Nah.. guy played TNCA Div 1 even just after covid. If he says club, I am sure he means the Raja of Palayampatti Shield (obviously the most prestigious shield in international cricket) and the likes. May even play for the other SuperKings clubs in South Africa and the US.