In a blow to the Indian National Cricket Team, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third match of the five-match Test series against the Ben Stokes-led England National Cricket Team at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. (previously known as Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium) in Rajkot.
Ashwin achieved a historic milestone on Day 2 of the third Test as he entered the 500 Test wickets club. He entered the match with 499 wickets under his belt and dismissed Zak Crawley in the second innings to reach the historic milestone.
He became the second fastest player in the history of Test cricket to achieve this feat. Furthermore, he is the ninth bowler in Test history to surpass the 500-wicket milestone and is the only second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble.
On Day 2, Ravichandran Ashwin bowled 7 overs and conceded 37 runs while picking up one wicket. Furthermore, he contributed crucial runs in the first innings, as he scored 37 runs off 89 balls, with 6 fours. The veteran player was involved in a crucial partnership of 77 runs off 175 balls with wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel that helped India push England on the back foot.
Speaking after the match, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke on several topics, one of which was his father’s support in his remarkable journey in cricket. He also dedicated the milestone of 500 Test wickets to his father and thanked her for supporting him through the good and bad times of his life.
“It has been quite a long journey. First of all I would like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin, and he probably had a heart attack every time he watched me play. His health has probably been affected by that,” he said.
Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from Test team – BCCI
Late on Friday night, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official statement, revealing that the veteran player withdrew from the Rajkot Test mid-game due to a family medical emergency. The BCCI stated:
“In these difficult times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin.
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the cricket champion and his family. The health and well-being of players and their loved ones is of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate this difficult time.
“The Board and team will continue to provide necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep lines of communication open to offer support as needed. “Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of fans and media during this very sensitive period.”
In the star’s absence, India will play with a combination of 10 players and one substitute. This means India will have to make do with just 4 bowling options in the match with three days left.
Talking about the game, the England national cricket team is in a great position as they managed 207 runs in just 35 overs on day 2. The hero of England’s innings was opening batsman Ben Duckett who smashed an absolutely century sensational. He was unbeaten on 133 runs off 118 balls, with 21 fours and 2 sixes and England were trailing by 238 runs at the end of the day.
