R Ashwin has withdrawn from the Rajkot Test match with immediate effect after play on Day Two due to a family medical emergency.
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The BCCI released a statement several hours after the end of play on Day Two announcing that Ashwin has withdrawn from the squad and asking for privacy. Ashwin took his 500th Test wicket in the evening session on Day Two, which England finished on 207-2, still 238 runs behind India’s first innings total.
The statement from the BCCI read: “Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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 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’s withdrawal could lead to India playing the remainder of the Test match with ten players. There are still a maximum of three days left of play in Rajkot, with eight wickets remaining for India to take in England’s first innings.
The right-arm spinner has taken ten wickets in the series so far, and bowled seven overs in the evening session of Day Two, finishing the day with figures of 1-37. He also scored valuable runs for India during their first innings, putting on 37 off 89 balls. He shared a 79-run stand with debutant Dhruv Jurel for the eight wicket in the morning session.
