Indian cricket’s spin maestro, Ashwin, who recently achieved the remarkable milestone of 500 Test wickets, has withdrawn from the ongoing Rajkot Test against England due to a family emergency.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced late Friday that Ashwin would be taking no further part in the third Test against England due to a family medical emergency. The decision comes as a surprise to fans and cricket enthusiasts, given Ashwin’s crucial role in the Indian team’s performance.
In a statement, the BCCI extended its heartfelt support to Ashwin and his family, emphasizing that the health and well-being of players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The board requested respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family during this challenging time.
Acknowledging Ashwin’s monumental achievement of reaching 500 Test wickets, the BCCI assured that the team would continue to provide any necessary assistance to him and keep communication lines open to offer support as needed. The statement also expressed gratitude for the understanding and empathy of fans and media during this sensitive period.
Ashwin’s absence from the ongoing Test match adds a new dimension to India’s challenge against England, especially after his significant contributions with both bat and ball in the series. His withdrawal leaves a void in the Indian spin attack and will require the team to regroup and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Despite Ashwin’s absence, India faces a tough task against a resolute England side, as demonstrated by the visitors’ strong performance on Day 2 of the Test match. With England trailing by just 238 runs at Stumps on Day 2 and showing a confident batting display, India will need to summon all their resources to regain control of the match in the following days.
