Spin wizard Ashwin retires from international cricket

Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from all formats of international cricket. The 38-year-old announced his decision during the post-match press conference after India drew the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The Tamil Nadu player, who made his senior India debut in 2010, went on to take 765 international wickets, including 537 in Test cricket. "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level," said Ashwin, sitting next to captain Rohit Sharma at the presser.

Ashwin said he would continue playing club cricketer, meaning he will be involved in the IPL. The Chennai Super Kings picked him at the recent IPL Mega Auction. "I feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase them in club-level cricket."

Ashwin thanked his teammates, especially "Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya and Pujara, who have taken those splendid catches around the back to give me the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years". He refused to take questions, saying it was an emotional moment for him.

"I have had a lot of fun, I must say I created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. We are the last bunch of OG's left out of the dressing room, if we can say that," he added.