'He has been a champion player'- Pat Cummins praises Ravichandran Ashwin highly after spinner announces retirement

The retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin has taken the cricketing world by surprise as the veteran off-spinner made the announcement during the press conference after the Gabba Test. Australian skipper Pat Cummins was equally surprised and paid tribute to the 38-year-old bowler for his illustrious 14-year career.

Ravichandran Ashwin played his last Test match at Adelaide earlier this month. Despite being close to 40 in terms of age, his retirement was something which was unexpected, especially in the middle of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Cummins praised the Chennai-born and paid tributes to his career.

“A bit of a surprise, he has been a champion player for them. One of the greats who played a lot over the last 10-plus years. He's had a wonderful career and massive respect from our change room for the career he has had”, said Pat Cummins as quoted by NDTV.

Also Read: 'I somehow convinced him to stay for pink ball Test' - Rohit Sharma discloses about events leading to Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement

Brett Lee and Brad Haddin pay tributes as well 

Former Australian speedster Brett Lee also paid his tributes to Ashwin, calling him one of the greats of the game and comparing his retirement to former English spinner Graeme Swann who had also retired mid-series.

“This guy is one of the greats of the game. The last time a spinner retired mid-way through a series was Graeme Swann, I think," said Lee.

Former Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also spoke highly of Ashwin upon his retirement and added that he was always looking to learn and evolve.

“More will come out when Ashwin has his opportunity to speak; just reading between the lines, it looked like he may have been a bit frustrated with the spinning options that they've changed in the first three Test matches. To me, he was a student of the game (and) always looking at ways to get better, he's earned the right," stated Haddin.