Even as the batsmen dominated England on the fourth morning in Rajkot, there was further good news for the Indian team – Ravichandran Ashwin is on his way back from Chennai, and will rejoin the third Test against England on Sunday. Even better, things at his home are stable now.
The off-spinner, who took his 500th Test wicket on the second day of the ongoing Test, had to leave the game due to a medical emergency in his family. The BCCI has now let it be known that Ashwin will be back in action immediately after he rejoins the squad on the fourth day. He can take the field straightaway.
“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,” stated a cricket board press release. “Ashwin had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency.”
On the second day of the Test, Ashwin became the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach the 500-wicket landmark when he dismissed England opener Zak Crawley. At the post-day presser, he dedicated the feat to his father, saying: “It’s been quite a long journey. Firstly, I would like to dedicate this feat to my father. He has been with me through thick and thin and probably has a heart attack every time he has watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that.”
On the same evening, he had to leave the squad, as the BCCI said: “Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.”
A tweet from BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla came close on its heels that said: “Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother.”
The cricket board’s media communication on Sunday morning confirmed that Ashwin could straightaway be part of the action, as soon as he joins the squad. “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’s cause in the ongoing Test match.”
In Ashwin’s absence, India played with 10 players on the third day of the third Test, although Devdutt Padikkal fielded as a substitute. A depleted bowling attack did a commendable job, restricting England to 319 from an overnight 207-2 and securing a 126-run first innings lead for the home team. Mohammed Siraj returned with four wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav bowled a superb spell (2-77) to break the backbone of England batting.
India’s current lead is in excess of 400 and Ashwin’s availability, as the tourists chase an improbable target in the fourth innings on a wearing pitch, would be a real shot in the arm.