India Faces England with One Man Down After Ashwin Departs for Family Emergency
India will be without star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the remainder of the third Test against England after he was granted leave to attend a family emergency.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Friday, with three days left in the crucial match.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency,” the BCCI said in a statement. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India and the team fully support Ashwin in these challenging times.”
The nature of the emergency was not disclosed, and the BCCI added that “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.”
They also expressed their appreciation for the “understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period.”
Ashwin’s absence is a significant blow to India’s bowling attack, especially considering his milestone achievement on Friday. He claimed his 500th Test wicket, becoming only the ninth bowler in history to reach the mark. His off-spin was expected to be a key weapon against England on the turning Rajkot pitch.
Despite the setback, India remains determined to secure victory and take a lead in the five-match series. They currently hold a 1-1 advantage after winning the first Test and losing the second.
England, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on Ashwin’s absence and put themselves in a strong position to win the match. They ended the second day at 207-2, needing 238 runs to avoid follow-on.
The remainder of the third Test promises to be an intriguing battle, with both teams facing their own challenges. India will need to find a way to fill the void left by Ashwin, while England will be aiming to exploit his absence and take control of the series.
