RAJKOT: India’s experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn himself from the ongoing third Test against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.
According to the BCCI, Ashwin opted to leave the ongoing Rajkot Test midway due to a “family emergency”.
“In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin,” stated BCCI in a press release.
“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.”
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Earlier today, Ravichandran Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket.
Ashwin began the Rajkot Test on 499 wickets and dismissed Zak Crawley (15) to claim his 500th wicket, becoming the ninth bowler to achieve this feat.
He took only 98 Tests to reach the landmark, which is the second-fastest, while Sri Lankan legend Muthiah Muralidaran is the fastest as he took only 87 Test matches.
He is only the second Indian bowler to reach the milestone after fellow spinner Anil Kumble (619).
Meanwhile, Ashwin also became the fifth spinner across the globe to join the elite 500-wicket club after Kumble, Muralidaran, Shane Warne and Nathan Lyon.
Ravichandran Ashwin, 37, has played 98 Tests since his debut in 2011 against West Indies in Delhi and bowled Darren Bravo to claim his first wicket.
In addition to his tally of 500 wickets, he has also scored 3,308 runs including five Test centuries in his 13-year long Test career.
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