sports.ndtv.com - 'Always Been A Bit Of Thorn For Us': Australia Pacer Mitchell Starc's Unique Praise For Newly-Retired Ravichandran Ashwin

'Always Been A Bit Of Thorn For Us': Australia Pacer Mitchell Starc's Unique Praise For Newly-Retired Ravichandran Ashwin

Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has paid a glorious tribute to the just-retired India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, saying he has been "a bit of a thorn" for their side in some of the memorable contests Down Under. Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, on Wednesday surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement in the middle of the Test series against Australia. He retired from the game as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps from 106 matches, placing him only behind the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

Giant Pink Cricket Ball Soars Over Melbourne Cricket Ground Ahead Of Women's Day-Night Test

Excitement is building for the biggest Women's Test match ever, with a giant pink cricket ball hot air balloon soaring over Melbourne and the MCG this morning, ahead of the Women's Ashes Day-Night Test from Jan 30-Feb 2. The balloon will be tethered in Yarra Park during the Boxing Day Test and will fly over Melbourne before the match. Australia will start its Women's Ashes campaign in Sydney on January 12 with the first of three ODIs and conclude with a historic pink-ball Test at the MCG starting on January 30.

Anushka Sharma's Loving Tribute For Retiring Ravichandran Ashwin

The entire cricket fraternity and fans around the world were left shocked after the ace Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin decided to call time on his international career. Ashwin announced his retirement on Wednesday after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw due to heavy rain in Brisbane. The 38-year-old all-rounder, who is bowing out as the second highest wicket-taker for India, received warm wishes from all over the world and star batter Virat Kohli's wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma also shared a sweet message for him.

Watch: Just-Retired Ravichandran Ashwin Returns To Chennai From Brisbane

A day after announcing his retirement from international cricket midway into the Test series against Australia, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a quiet early-morning return to the country in Chennai on Thursday. Ashwin could be seen was escorted out of the Chennai International Airport by local officials as fans took photographs before he left with his family without talking to the waiting media. Ashwin on Wednesday announced retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the five-match Test series that is locked 1-1 after three games. He will continue to play club cricket, including the IPL, where he will return to play for Chennai Super Kings next year.

Holders Liverpool Reach League Cup Semis, Arsenal Advance

Liverpool moved into the League Cup semi-finals as the holders won 2-1 against managerless Southampton, while Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought with a hat-trick in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Rare goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott at St Mary's sent the 10-time League Cup winners into the last four for a record 20th time. Held to a surprise 2-2 draw against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend, Liverpool got back on track with a 20th win from 24 games in all competitions under Arne Slot, who has lost just once since arriving from Feyenoord to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Ruben Amorim Tells Marcus Rashford To 'Speak With The Manager' Over Exit Talk

Ruben Amorim has told Marcus Rashford he should "speak with the manager" rather than air his grievances publicly after the Manchester United forward hinted he could leave Old Trafford. The 27-year-old was dropped by United boss Amorim for Sunday's win at Manchester City and responded by saying he was "ready for a new challenge" in an interview on social media. Rashford came through United's youth ranks and has chalked up 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016.

PSG Win Thriller In Monaco But Lose Gianluigi Donnarumma To Facial Injury

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to extend their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 4-2 win away to Monaco on Wednesday but lost goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to a gruesome facial injury. The bloodied Italy international was left requiring 10 staples after suffering lacerations to the right side of his face when he was caught by the studs of Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. "I don't know if the referee was badly positioned but VAR needed to intervene, you have to protect the players," said PSG captain Marquinhos.

"Fitness...": Report Reveals Reason Behind Prithvi Shaw Getting Dropped By Mumbai For Vijay Hazare Trophy

Out-of-favour Indian cricket team opener Prithvi Shaw did not find a spot in Mumbai's squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Prithvi had a somewhat average run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and he was criticised heavily for his fitness issues. He even went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction after being released by Delhi Capitals. The current events prompted Prithvi to post an emotional message on social media asking "what more do I have to see?". "Tell me God, what more do I have to see? If 65 innings, 3399 runs at an average of 55.7 with a strike rate of 126 (in Vijay Hazare), I'm not good enough. But I will keep my faith in you and, hopefully, people still believe in me, because I will come back for sure. Om Sai Ram," Shaw wrote in his Instagram story.

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'Always Been A Bit Of Thorn For Us': Australia Pacer Mitchell Starc's Unique Praise For Newly-Retired Ravichandran Ashwin

Giant Pink Cricket Ball Soars Over Melbourne Cricket Ground Ahead Of Women's Day-Night Test

Anushka Sharma's Loving Tribute For Retiring Ravichandran Ashwin

Watch: Just-Retired Ravichandran Ashwin Returns To Chennai From Brisbane

Holders Liverpool Reach League Cup Semis, Arsenal Advance

Ruben Amorim Tells Marcus Rashford To 'Speak With The Manager' Over Exit Talk

PSG Win Thriller In Monaco But Lose Gianluigi Donnarumma To Facial Injury

"Fitness...": Report Reveals Reason Behind Prithvi Shaw Getting Dropped By Mumbai For Vijay Hazare Trophy