Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spinner, is scheduled to play again versus England in Rajkot during the third Test. The Indian Cricket Board said on Sunday that Ashwin will return for the fourth day. He had to leave following the second day’s play due to a family issue.
The Indian Team management posted a tweet slating Ashwin’s return to the squad. It said, “Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team cause in the ongoing Test match.”
Before leaving, Ashwin celebrated taking out Zak Crawley on Day Two of the Test match, marking his 500th wicket within the format. After Anil Kumble, he became the only Indian player to break the 500-wicket mark in Test cricket, becoming the ninth bowler to do it overall.
Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his family had asked for privacy as they worked through the circumstances that led to the spinner's forced exit from the squad.
Before the third Test's fourth day of play, fellow countryman Kuldeep Yadav made a wild guess about Ashwin's comeback. Ashwin and the national team both confirmed the rumours during the morning session.
What did the Board say about Ravichandran Ashwin’s exit?
The Indian Cricket Board made a press release in which they asserted that Ashwin had withdrawn from the Test match. It said, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of R Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Ashwin, had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency.”
Indian bowlers were handed lengthier stints on Saturday, which felt Ashwin's absence, but the squad came through with a terrific effort to knock the England side out for 319. With four wickets, Mohammed Siraj was the most effective bowler. Meanwhile Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, both spinners, removed two batters apiece.