In a hammering blow to the India National Cricket Team, the veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of the ongoing third match of the five-match Test series against Ben Stokes-led England National Cricket Team at the Niranjan Shah Stadium (formerly known as the 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 landmark.
He became the second-fastest player in Test cricket history to achieve this feat. Also, he is overall 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. Also, he chipped in with 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 in 175 balls with wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel that helped India push England on the back foot.
Speaking after the match, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about a number of topics with one of them being the support of his father in his remarkable journey in cricket. He also dedicated the 500 Test wickets milestone to his father and thanked him for his support in the thick and thin of his life.
“It’s been quite a long journey. Firstly I’d like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin, and probably had a heart attack every time he’s watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that,” he said.
Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad – BCCI
Late night on Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement, revealing that the veteran off-spinner has pulled out of the Rajkot Test in the middle of the game due to a family medical emergency. The BCCI stated:
“In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.
“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. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period.”
In the absence of the star off-spinner, India will be playing with a combination of 10 players and a substitute. This means that India will have to manage with just 4 bowling options in the match with three days to go.
Speaking about the game, the England National Cricket Team are in a great position as they blasted 207 runs in just 35 overs on Day 2. The hero of the England innings was the opening batsman Ben Duckett, who smashed an absolutely sensational century. 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.
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