R Ashwin. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI
Ravichandran Ashwin will rejoin the Indian team for the third Test against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in a statement on Sunday, February 18. Ashwin, who had left the Indian squad due to personal reasons after the end of Day 2 of the third Test against England, will be able to join the Indian team by lunch on Day 4.
“We are pleased to announce the return of R Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will return to action on Day 4 and continue to contribute to the team’s cause in the ongoing Test match. Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate these challenging times,” BCCI said in a statement.
However, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla had earlier tweeted that Ashwin left Team India on day two of the Rajkot Test to be with his mother.
Wishing the mother a speedy recovery @ashwinravi99 . He has to hurry and leave Rajkot Test for Chennai to be with his mother. @BCCI
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 16, 2024
Ashwin can join the team and start bowling whenever required as he was out of the field due to injury. So the referees will most likely allow him to reintegrate into the team once he is available.
Earlier, Ashwin took one wicket in England’s first innings to reach the milestone of 500 Test wickets. With Ashwin back, the Indian team would be hopeful of taking England out for the second time and winning the third Test to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
First print: February 18, 2024 | 10:33 am IST