Ashwin withdraws from third India vs England Test due to family medical emergency

Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday withdrew midway from the third India-England Test at Rajkot and from the national squad effective immediately due to a family emergency. The confirmation of Ashwin’s withdrawal from the India squad was made by BCCI through a statement that was released at 10.49 PM IST. The Indian cricket board refrained from disclosing the emergency but said that the “health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance”.

“In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin,” BCCI said in a statement. “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 BCCI added that it will stay in touch with the ace spinner and will offer any support that may be needed.

“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.”

India will have to finish the Rajkot Test with just 10 players. However, they will be allowed to use substitute fielders. After Day 2 of the third Test, England are 207/2 and trail India by 238 runs. Also on Day 2, Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley to complete 500 Test wickets. He also scored 37 runs to help India post 445 in the first innings.