India’s versatile player Ravichandran Ashwin has been withdrawn from the squad for the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot due to a family emergency. This news emerged shortly after Ashwin achieved a significant milestone by securing his 500th Test wicket, a feat accomplished previously only by the iconic Anil Kumble in Indian cricket history.
Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not disclose the reason for Ashwin’s absence. However, the board’s Vice-President, Rajeev Shukla, later disclosed that Ashwin’s decision was influenced by a medical emergency concerning his mother. The BCCI subsequently issued an official update regarding this development.
BCCI said: “Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. 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 of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted not to disclose the specific reason for Ashwin’s withdrawal and urged everyone to respect the cricketer’s privacy. With Ashwin’s absence, Team India now has 10 outfield players and only four dedicated bowlers.
According to the regulations outlined by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the authority governing the Laws of the game, umpires have the discretion to permit a substitute fielder if they are satisfied that a player has sustained an injury or fallen ill during the match. Additionally, MCC’s rule No. 24.1.1.2 allows for a substitute fielder under circumstances deemed “wholly acceptable” by the team.
Since Ashwin neither falls ill nor sustains an injury, India can only field a substitute with the consent of England captain Ben Stokes. However, this substitute will be restricted from participating in batting or bowling for the remainder of the match, as per the regulations.
It’s noteworthy that Ashwin recently achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest Indian to claim 500 Test wickets, surpassing former India captain Kumble in this prestigious list. Overall, he ranks as the second fastest, trailing behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan.
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