IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Indian veteran offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin pulled out from the third Test against England in Rajkot owing to a family Emergency. The news came late on Friday (February 16), following the completion of the second day of play, during which the 37-year-old claimed his 500th Test wicket.
BCCI released a media advisory to announce the news: “Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.”
BCCI also extended their support behind Ashwin and wrote “In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.“
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.”
“The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period.“
With three days remaining in the Rajkot Test, Ashwin’s absence may reduce India’s playing strength to only ten players. Playing substitutes typically is only allowed for players who are out due to a concussion or COVID-19. As per MCC’s rule No. 24.1.1.2, a team can have a substitute fielder for a ‘wholly acceptable reason’. A substitute cannot bowl or act as a captain but the player can be a wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires.
As Ashwin did not sustain any injuries or become unwell during the match, India may only use a replacement fielder in Rajkot with the opposing captain Ben Stokes’ consent. With Ashwin out of the picture, India’s primary spin options for the remainder of this Test are Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI vice president, wrote on X.com, “Wishing speedy recovery of mother of R Ashwin. He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother.”
Before the commencement of the series, Harry Brook withdrew for personal reasons, while Virat Kohli likewise withdrew from selection for personal reasons, first for the first two Tests and then for the entire series.
A few people have also been injured. Jack Leach’s left knee injury from the first Test ended his possibilities of playing in the series, and KL Rahul’s sore knee prevented him from playing in the third game after he missed the second Test due to a quadriceps injury. After suffering a hamstring injury in the first Test, Ravindra Jadeja was unable to play in the second game in Vizag. However, he was able to rejoin the India XI for the Rajkot Test.
Source- BCCI Official