India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opted out of the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot. He had returned to Chennai to be with his mother, who is currently admitted to hospital. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has extended its support to the legendary bowler, who completed 500 Test wickets on Day 2 of the game. Ashwin would not take any further part in the match.
Ashwin was expected to play a big role on Day 3, with England still trailing by more than 200 runs.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has left the team with an immediate effect to attend a medical emergency. In these tough times, the board extends its full support to Ashwin,” the BCCI said in its press release.
“The BCCI is with the champion spinner as the health of the loved ones is important. The board urges fans to respect Ashwin’s privacy as he goes through challenging times,” it further added.
Will India play with 10 players?
India will take the field without their complete Playing XI. The host nation will get a substitute fielder, but that player will not be allowed to bowl or bat.
According to the ICC rules, the umpires can allow a substitute fielder if any player from the Playing XI is unavailable due to an injury, illness, or any other wholly acceptable reason.
The substitute fielder can keep wickets but is not allowed to bat or bowl.
Concussion Substitute
The rules allow the like-for-like replacement if a player suffers a concussion due to an injury during the course of the game. That player is allowed to bat and bowl. However, Ashwin has not suffered any concussion. Hence, there will be no like-for-like substitution.
Ashwin’s absence would impact the Rohit Sharma-led team. He can contribute with the bat and ball. Ashwin scored 37 runs off 89 balls and took India’s total of 445 runs in the first innings.
Apart from the batting, India will feel his absence in the bowling department. Ashwin took 3 wickets in England’s second innings of the previous game and helped the host nation to win the contest by 106 runs to level the series.