Ravichandran Ashwin to miss remainder of India's third Test vs England; spinner claimed his 500th Test wicket on day two; five-match series 1-1 with three Tests remaining; Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said late on Friday evening Ashwin would play no further part in Test
Saturday 17 February 2024 08:56, UK
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the third Test against England because of a family emergency, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced.
Ashwin claimed his 500th Test wicket on an eventful day two of the third Test in Rajkot, removing Zak Crawley to become just the ninth bowler and second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach the 500 club.
The 37-year-old had also been penalised earlier in the day for running down the middle of the pitch when he was batting during India's innings, with England reaching stumps on 207-2 in reply to the hosts' 445.
Ashwin made 37 with the bat and had figures of 1-37 from seven overs with his bowling, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirming late on Friday evening the 37-year-old would play no further part in the Test.
"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency," read a statement from the BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
"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."
It seems unlikely India, who have been unable to call upon star batter Virat Kohli for this five-match series because of personal reasons, will be able to replace Ashwin if he does not return in the Test.
While the MCC, the game's lawmakers, states a player can be replaced at any point with "the consent of the opposing captain", the World Test Championship's regulations are more ambiguous.
The World Test Championship rules, which supersedes the laws, seems to suggest a change of player can only occur after the toss, when the teams have been named, but before play has gotten under way.
Ashwin reached his milestone wicket when Crawley swept out of the rough and into the hands of Rajat Patidar at short fine-leg after England's opening stand of 84 in 80 balls.
"I would like to dedicate my 500th wicket to my father," Ashwin said. "He has been there through thick and thin. It's a good time to celebrate. I'll probably have dinner and then think about it - think about how far I've come in life."
The series is in the balance at one Test apiece with three matches remaining, with England claiming a remarkable 28-run win in Hyderabad in the opening match before India won the next by 106 runs.
Follow over-by-over text commentary from the third Test between India and England live on skysports.com and the Sky Sports App from 3.45am each day (first ball at 4am).
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