R Ashwin Withdraws From Ongoing 3rd Test vs England due to Family Medical Emergency

Hours after picking his 500th Test wicket, R Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third Test vs England in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency.

“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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 support 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,” read a BCCI media advisory late in the night on Friday.

The BCCI release didn’t mention details about the emergency and respected “privacy” during the challenging time.

CricketNext will stick to the official word of the Indian Cricket Board and give Ashwin the space and privacy he needs during these testing times. Like Virat Kohli, who is unavailable for the ongoing series due to personal reasons, Ashwin needs all the support and privacy during this sensitive period.

With three days still left in the Test, the off-spinner will no longer play any part in the fixture and India will be allowed to use a substitute fielder.