Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third Test against England due to a medical emergency in the family. The test match kicked off on Thursday, February 16 at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Ravichandran Ashwin’s withdrawal from the match on Friday, February 16. They released a statement supporting the veteran spinner’s decision. They also requested to respect the privacy of Ashwin and his family. The BCCI wrote,
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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 support 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,” the release added.
R Ashwin withdraws from the 3rd India-England Test due to family emergency.
In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.https://t.co/U2E19OfkGR
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024
Earlier in the day, Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a special milestone in his Test career. He dismissed Zak Crawley to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket for India. He became the ninth bowler to achieve this feat, and the second Indian after Anil Kumble. Ashwin is also the second fastest to take 500 wickets in test cricket. He has played 98 Test matches for India and averages 23.95 with the ball. The spinner has taken 34 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket hauls.
Talking about the ongoing Test, India scored 445 runs batting first. Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja slammed centuries in the match, while Sarfaraz Khan scored 62 runs. Dhruv Jurel and Ashwin also contributed well lower down the order. In response, England has scored 207 runs for the loss of two wickets. Ben Duckett is unbeaten on 133 runs, while Joe Root is on nine runs overnight.
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