Ravichandran Ashwin will play no further part in the ongoing 3rd Test against England in Rajkot after the India spinner opted to pull out of the India squad due to a family emergency. The development was confirmed by the BCCI, which informed about Ashwin’s decision in a release Friday late night.
“Due to a family medical issue, Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test team, effective immediately. The squad and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) fully support Ashwin during these trying times, the BCCI stated in a media release.
“The BCCI offers the winning cricket player and his family its sincere support. The players’ and their loved ones’ health and well-being are the most important things. The Board asks that Ashwin and his family be allowed to remain private while they work through this difficult period.
Sadly, Ashwin’s loss occurs on the same day that he claimed his 500th wicket in a Test match. The off-spinner was expected to be heavily involved on Day 3 as India attempted to wrest some momentum back from the hosts. On Day 2, he became the second-fastest person to reach the milestone ever by removing opener Zak Crawley during England’s first innings. However, his sudden withdrawal at the last minute comes as a shock and leaves the bowling attack weak as India will probably field ten men in accordance with ICC regulations.
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