IND VS ENG: India Down to 10 Players as Ravi Ashwin Withdraws from 3rd Test Against England
Ravichandran Ashwin pulled out of the 3rd Test against England in Rajkot on Friday citing a family medical emergency, resulting in India being one bowler short for the match.
The post IND VS ENG: India Down to 10 Players as Ravi Ashwin Withdraws from 3rd Test Against England appeared first on Cricket Country.
IND VS ENG: Shortly after making history in the longest format of cricket, experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was compelled to depart from Team India’s Test squad during the third match against England on Friday. Confirming Ashwin’s departure, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah disclosed that the senior all-rounder has opted out of the Test squad with immediate effect due to a family medical emergency.
While the BCCI chose not to disclose the specific reason for Ashwin’s departure, the cricket board expressed its full support for the star cricketer and his family during this challenging period. It is anticipated that Ashwin will continue to be unavailable for the 4th and 5th Tests of the England series. Ashwin, a spinner, achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets on Day 2 of the Rajkot match, becoming the second Indian bowler after the legendary Anil Kumble to do so.
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“The BCCI expresses its sincere solidarity with the esteemed cricketer and his family. The health and welfare of players and their families remain paramount. The Board urges for the privacy of Ashwin and his family to be respected as they confront this difficult situation.”
Regrettably, Ashwin’s setback coincides with the day he achieved his 500th Test wicket. The off-spinner reached this milestone by dismissing opener Zak Crawley during England’s first innings, making him the second-fastest player to do so in history. His absence on Day 3 comes as a surprise and significantly weakens the bowling lineup, leaving India with the likelihood of playing with only 10 players in accordance with ICC regulations.
While specific details remain undisclosed, Ashwin’s withdrawal compounds the challenges faced by the Indian team, already missing Virat Kohli due to personal reasons and KL Rahul due to injury. Although no further information has been disclosed, the language used by the board suggests the seriousness of the situation. The BCCI emphasized its commitment to providing assistance to Ashwin and maintaining open communication to offer support as required. Team India expressed gratitude for the understanding and empathy of fans and media during this sensitive time.
“It’s been a lengthy journey, and I want to dedicate this achievement to my father. He’s been my unwavering support, although I know watching me play has taken a toll on his health,” Ashwin expressed.
Speaking with former India captain Kumble on Jio Cinema, the official broadcaster of the India vs. England series, Ashwin delved into the darkest phase of his career. Recounting some of the challenging moments, Ashwin disclosed experiencing a profound low. In 2018, Ashwin faced difficulties meeting expectations against England due to an abdominal injury, contributing to Team India’s loss in the Southampton Test on a spin-friendly pitch.
Ashwin shared with Kumble, “Life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and undoubtedly, the lowest point for me was the period between 2018 and 2019. After being named ICC Cricketer of the Year and reaching the pinnacle of success, plummeting into a profound abyss was an incredibly dark chapter in my life.”
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