R Ashwin is set to return to the Indian team on day four of the third Test of the five-match series, at Rajkot.
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On the second day at Rajkot, R Ashwin became the second Indian and the ninth bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark in the history of Test cricket. Later that day, he had to leave the city to attend a family emergency.
England, 207-2 at stumps on day two, were bowled out for 319 on the third day to concede a 126-run lead. India reached 196-2 by stumps to stretch the lead to 322.
According to a BCCI press release, Ashwin has returned the Indian team on the fourth day.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of R Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency.” ran the report.
“Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team’s cause in the ongoing Test match.
“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field. Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”
Cricketers have to spend time on the field matching their time off it before being allowed to bowl, but Law 24.3.2 empowers the umpires to allow Ashwin to bowl as soon as he returns if “in the opinion of the umpires, the player has been absent or has left the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, which shall not include illness or internal injury.”
At the time of writing, India were 236-2. They lead by 362.
