Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from international cricket.

The 38-year-old, the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history, made the announcement after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Ashwin, who did not play in the game, was widely recognised as one of the greats of the modern game during a 14-year India career.

He took 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests - second only to Anil Kumble's 619 among India bowlers.

He also scored six centuries and averaged 25.75 with the bat.

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level," Ashwin said at a news conference at the Gabba.

"I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket."

Ashwin took 156 wickets at 33.20 apiece in 116 one-day internationals and 72 at an average of 23.22 in 65 T20s.

He was part of the squad that won the 2011 World Cup in India, although he played only two games.

He will be remembered largely for his Test exploits - his tally of 37 five-wicket hauls is second only to Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker in India's past three series against England, including 24 in the 4-1 home triumph this year.

Captain Rohit Sharma said Ashwin considered retiring before the Australia tour but he convinced him to continue.

Ashwin was left out of the team for the first Test and took one wicket in the second.

"He was very sure about what he wanted to do and the team has complete backing of his thought process," Rohit said.

"He's had so many big moments with the Indian team and he's been a big match-winner for us.

"He's allowed to make these decisions, and if it is now, so be it."

Source: BBC