IND vs ENG: Big blow for India as Ravi Ashwin withdraws from 3rd test

Ravi Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third test against England due to family emergency.

Indian veteran-off spinner Ravi Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third test match between India and in Rajkot due to a family emergency. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on February 16, Friday. However, the replacement for the veteran off-spinner for the ongoing Rajkot test was not announced by the BCCI.

“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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 statement said.

“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,” it added.

“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 board further clarified.

Ravichandran Ashwin completes 500 test wickets

Earlier on day 2 of the ongoing Rajkot test match between India and England, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin achieved a historic milestone in the longest format. Ravi Ashwin reached the 500-wicket landmark after dismissing England batter Zak Crawley. 

The 37-year-old Indian cricketer became the second-fastest overall and fastest Indian bowler to claim 500 test wickets. Ravi Ashwin reached this iconic milestone after dismissing England’s Zak Crawley on day 2 of the Rajkot test on Friday.

Overall, the fastest player to take 500 test wickets is Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan, who breached the 500 wicket mark in his 87th test match. For India, leg-spinner Anil Kumble was holding the record, achieving the historic feat in 105 test matches, before Ravi Ashwin surpassed him by taking just 98 test games.

The news comes as a big upset to the India, who are struggling against England in the upcoming Rajkot test. The Indian bowling attack has been seen as ineffective so far against the Ben Stokes-led England, with the visitors scoring 207/2 in 35 overs by the end of play on day 2. The English side is trailing by 228 runs at stumps on Friday.

For England, left-handed opening batter Ben Duckett, who finished the day unbeaten on 133, claimed the record for the fastest test century by an English player in India. His aggressive knock has helped the visitors to balance the game, despite India taking an early advantage after smashing 445 runs in the first innings.

Earlier, England’s right-arm quick pacer Mark Wood took a four-wicket haul and helped his side bundle India out for 445 runs despite Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja smashing centuries.

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