Veteran Ravichandran Ashwin rejoined the Indian team during the post-tea session on Day 4 of the third Test against England. Ravichandran Ashwin had withdrawn from the contest at the end of the day on Friday to attend to his sick mother.

On Day 2 of the third Test in Rajkot, Ashwin achieved a major milestone by dismissing England’s Zak Crawley for his 500th Test wicket. However, later that night, the BCCI announced Ashwin’s withdrawal from the ongoing match due to to a family emergency.

Ravichandran Ashwin avoids punishment under ICC rules

Ashwin faced no penalty for his absence on the third day, as per ICC playing conditions. According to ICC clause 24.3.2, a player’s departure will not result in penalty time if the referees consider it acceptable.

According to ICC clause 24.3.2, “The absence of a nominated player will not incur penalty time if, in the opinion of the referees, the player has left the field for another wholly acceptable reason, which will not include illness or internal injury.” “.

On Day 3, the Indian team faced a challenge with only 10 playing XI players and one additional substitute fielder. Despite this, the Indian team put up an impressive performance on a flat pitch, bowling out the opposing team for a total of 319 runs.

The home team did not require Ravichandran Ashwin’s contribution with the bat in their second innings. The Rohit Sharma-led team declared a total of 430/4 during the session, setting an almost impossible target of 557 for the visitors in the final innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to contribute – BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the return of Ravichandran Ashwin on Day 4 of the Test match. The statement expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of the team, management, media and fans during this challenging period.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of R Ashwin to the team after a brief absence due to a family emergency. “Ashwin had to temporarily withdraw from the team after Day 2 of the third Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency,” the BCCI statement read.

“Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will return to action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute to the team’s cause in the ongoing Test match,” he continued.

“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, recognizing the importance of family as a priority. “The team and its fans have stood together to support 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 these difficult times,” the statement concludes.

The Men in Blue are on the verge of clinching victory in the third Test as they took all seven of England’s wickets in just 50 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets for 11 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav secured two crucial wickets and Jasprit Bumrah took one.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin lashes out at Alastair Cook over allegations of deliberately running on Rajkot pitch