The Indian cricket board (BCCI) on Sunday confirmed that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would rejoin the Test side in Rajkot on Day 4 and take part in the remainder of the hard-fought 3rd match against England. Ashwin had flown home on Friday evening, withdrawing from the Test due to a family medical emergency.
“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,” the board said in a statement.
“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,” it added.
Notably, on Sunday morning, Kuldeep Yadav had told the host broadcasters that he was aware of R Ashwin returning to Rajkot on Sunday.
Ashwin had to rush home after the end of Day 2 play to be with his ailing mother, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.
Notably, the match officials will allow R Ashwin to bat and bowl without having to go through any waiting period that is mandatory for players who are out of action in a Test match, commentators confirmed on air on Day 3.
“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field,” the BCCI added, expressing delight for Ashwin’s return to the side.
