In a big blow to the Indian cricket team, the star bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the ongoing third Test match against England in Rajkot on Friday. Ashwin withdrew his name due to a family medical emergency after Day 2's play at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that the veteran bowler withdrew from the third match effective immediately due to a family medical emergency on Friday. The BCCI also requested fans and media to give privacy to the player and his family during this challenging time.
"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family," the BCCI statement said. "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."
Ashwin highlighted Day 2 by recording his 500th Test wicket after scoring crucial runs in the first innings. Ashwin gave India a crucial breakthrough after Tea with Zak Crawley's wicket and became the only second Indian bowler and ninth overall to script 500 Test wickets.
However, England managed to respond impressively to India's 445 with aggressive cricket in the last session. Ben Ducket registered an 88-ball hundred as he smashed 133* off just 118 balls to charge England to 207/2 in just 35 overs when umpires called stumps on Day 2.
England are still trailing by 238 runs but Ashwin's withdrawal gives the visiting side a slight control of the game. Ashwin has taken only ten wickets in five innings in this series but has been India's first-choice spin option going into the crucial Day 3 of the Rajkot Test.
