India’s off-spinner R Ashwin has withdrawn from India’s Test team & will not participate further in the Rajkot Test due to a family emergency.
In a press statement, the BCCI conveyed its sincere support to the esteemed cricketer and his family, emphasizing the paramount importance of the players’ and their loved ones’ health and well-being. Respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family during this difficult period was urged by the Board.
It assured that both the Board and the team would remain committed to offering any required assistance to Ashwin, maintaining open lines of communication for support as necessary. Furthermore, Team India expressed gratitude for the understanding and empathy displayed by fans and media during this sensitive time.
Ashwin’s withdrawal will leave India with just ten players in the lineup. And it will be a tough task for India & CO to cope with Ashwin’s absence. In general situations player substitutes are allowed for players ruled out by concussions or Covid-19. In the absence of Ashwin, India is left with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as frontline spin options for the rest of this Test. However, their batting order is stable with the presence of Rohit Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ravindra Jadeja in the lineup.
R Ashwin has achieved the landmark of 500 Test Wickets.
Renowned spinner R Ashwin has reached a significant milestone in his cricketing journey, becoming the second Indian spinner to claim 500 Test wickets. This achievement came during the Rajkot Test when he dismissed Zak Crawley, providing a crucial breakthrough for India.
Ashwin’s delivery, a tossed-up full ball on leg-stump, deceived Crawley with its unexpected dip and shorter length, resulting in a mistimed shot that was safely caught by Rajat Patidar. With his consistent performance in the Test format, Ashwin has solidified his status as a modern-day legend in world cricket. Crawley departed after scoring 15 runs from 28 deliveries, including two boundaries. And his dismissal brought a moment of joy for Ashwin & Co as the prolific spinner entered the 500 Test wickets club. The entire Cricket fraternity congratulated R Ashwin including legendary player Sachin Tendulkar.
Also read, IND vs ENG 3rd Test:Why England started 1st Innings at 5/0
