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In a heartwarming exchange of camaraderie and mutual respect, cricket enthusiasts were treated to a delightful conversation between two of the world’s premier spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon.
Nathan Lyon’s praise for Ravichandran Ashwin
It is worth mentioning that Lyon had recently showered praise on Ashwin, describing him as one of his ‘biggest coaches,’ acknowledging the learning opportunity presented by playing against such a seasoned opponent.
Complimentary retirement plans
The compliments didn’t stop there, as the Australian spinner also went on to address his and Ashwin’s retirement plans, suggesting a future meeting over a beer to decide their respective career paths.
“You look at Ashwin, he’s a world-class bowler and somebody I’ve watched closely from the start of his career We’ve gone head-to-head many times in different conditions around the world. I’ve got nothing but respect for Ashwin and the way he’s gone about it,” Lyon was quoted saying by cricket.com.au.
“I’ve definitely learned from him. There’s an opportunity to learn from the people you play against, and without knowing it he’s probably been one of my biggest coaches in a way. It’s pretty amazing to see we’re both creeping up to that 500 mark, and we’ll see where we end up. Hopefully at the end of our career we’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it.” he added.
Unique catch-up proposal
Lyon further quoted his own statements on Twitter and acknowledged the competition to select the perfect venue for their retirement discussion by tagging Ashwin in the post, which read: “I’m sure the competition to pick the best venue for this catch up will be strong, but we both have a few good years left in us yet.”
I’m sure the competition to pick the best venue for this catch up will be strong, but we both have a few good years left in us yet @ashwinravi99 💪 https://t.co/bCVyJglRQP
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) December 13, 2023
Also READ: Twitter abuzz as David Warner hits his 26th Test century at Perth
Ashwin’s gracious response
Ashwin, known for his sportsmanship both on and off the pitch, responded graciously to Lyon’s appreciation. In a tweet, he not only reciprocated the compliments but extended a warm invitation to Lyon for a unique home and away catch-up to discuss retirement plans, suggesting Sydney and Chennai as the venues.
“We can do a home and away for the catch-up too. Sydney – your choice. Chennai – Soup with Muthu and chaat at OSB (West Mambalam). Go well tomorrow and see u soon,” Ashwin tweeted.
We can do a home and away for the catch up too.🤗
Sydney – your choice
Chennai – Soup with Muthu and chaat at OSB ( West Mambalam ).Go well tomorrow and see u soon https://t.co/cXIG4D0XOk
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 13, 2023
Inching closer to elite 500-wicket club
Notably, both Ashwin and Lyon are on the brink of joining the elite 500-wicket club in Test cricket, with Lyon currently boasting 496 wickets and Ashwin closely following at 489. As they inch closer to this remarkable milestone, the prospect of a joint retirement discussion adds a touch of excitement and anticipation for cricket fans worldwide.
