16 February 2024 , 17:46
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India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of the third Test against England in Rajkot due to a family emergency.
The 37-year-old became only the ninth man to reach 500 Test wickets during the second day of the third test but will now be absent for the remainder of the match.Just hours after the spinner took the wicket of Zak Crawley the Indian management issued a statement stating he had withdrawn from the squad. Due to the circumstances, he cannot be replaced.
“In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin,” read a statement from BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and wellbeing 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.”
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Ashwin said on his achievement: "I would like to dedicate my 500th wicket to my father. He has been there through thick and thin. The game is neck and neck. They are putting us under pressure but it is important not to react to that pressure."
England staged an impressive fightback on day two of the third test, although the hosts remain in control with a lead of 238 following their first innings total of 445. Ben Duckett produced a stunning century to keep England in touch with the series tied a 1-1.
Ben Duckett smashed an impressive century (AP)His knock of 133* leaves England on 207 and with eight wickets remaining in Rajkot. Mark Wood said on his team-mate: "When you have done all that toil with the ball, you then see that class with the bat. India were not sure of their fields. It was amazing to watch from Duckett. In the nets we are trying to get him to leave one ball. He doesn't leave many!"
Michael Vaughan believes Duckett's stunning innings has given England hope heading into day three as he compared his knock to Ollie Pope's match-winning score earlier in the series. He told the BBC: "One of the incredible days of Test cricket. Ben Duckett's was a special innings and up there with Ollie Pope's in the first Test. If England bat the full day tomorrow they have a great chance."