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India vs Australia 3rd Test: R Ashwin Announces Retirement After Rain-Interrupted Draw, Check How The Result Impacts WTC Points Table

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement after the rain-affected draw in the India vs Australia 3rd Test marked the end of a legendary career. As the match concluded at 1-1, both teams saw a dip in their WTC points percentage.

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India vs Australia 3rd Test

India vs Australia 3rd Test: In a moment that took fans by surprise, India's star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket following the rain-affected third Test match between IND vs AUS in Brisbane. The match, which ended in a frustrating draw due to persistent rain, marked the end of an era for one of India's most successful spinners. Here’s a breakdown of Ashwin’s remarkable career and the crucial moments from the match that concluded the series at 1-1.

India vs Australia 3rd Test: A Legend Bows Out

At 38, R Ashwin has decided to step away from representing India in international cricket, leaving behind a stellar legacy as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game.

The announcement came during a joint press conference with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. “Today will be my last day as an India cricketer,” Ashwin stated, his voice filled with both pride and nostalgia, before he departed without taking further questions.

Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are immense. With 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, he stands second only to Anil Kumble, who holds 619 wickets in Indian Test cricket history. His tactical brilliance and ability to outfox batsmen have made him a cornerstone of India's bowling attack for over a decade.

Rain-Interrupted Draw Ends IND vs AUS 3rd Test

The third Test at Brisbane was marked by persistent rain, which ultimately resulted in a draw. India, chasing a target of 275, had reached 8/0 with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the crease when the game was called off. The series now hangs in balance at 1-1, setting the stage for a high-stakes Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Ashwin, though not part of the playing XI for this match, was seen sharing a heartfelt moment with former captain Virat Kohli during the final moments of the game, fueling speculation about his retirement.

R Ashwin Retirement Marks the End of a Glorious Career

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Known for his unmatched skill in Test cricket, he also holds the record for the most wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC), with an incredible 195 dismissals. His ability to adapt and thrive across different formats is reflected in his achievements in ODIs and T20Is, where he has represented India in 116 and 65 matches, respectively.

While he steps away from international cricket, Ashwin isn’t ready to hang up his boots entirely. He will continue to play in domestic T20 leagues, including representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025.

How The Result Impacts WTC Points Table

The rain-affected draw in the India vs Australia 3rd Test caused a dip in both teams’ standings on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. India earned four points, taking their total to 114, but their points percentage (PCT) dropped from 57.29% to 55.88%. Australia’s PCT also fell, going from 60.71% to 58.88%.

South Africa remains on top with a PCT of 63.33%, just one win away from securing their place in the WTC final.

India now faces a must-win situation in the remaining two Tests to stay in the race. Winning both would eliminate Australia, while a 2-2 series draw or fewer victories could still allow Australia to qualify, depending on their results against Sri Lanka. Every match is now crucial for India’s WTC final hopes.

R Ashwin India vs Australia WTC