IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Ravichandran Ashwin Rejoins India Team On Day Four

Add as a preferred source on Google

Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has rejoined India's squad in the ongoing five-match Test series against England after a brief absence due to a family emergency, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday (February 18).

Before the start of play, BCCI had released a statement, revealing that Ashwin has rejoined the squad and will take the field when required with the bat and ball for the remainder of the Test.

"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," BCCI stated on Sunday.

The statement also confirmed that Ashwin will come back to action on day four of the third Test match in Rajkot. The senior spinner arrived just before lunch on day four..

"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.

"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. Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times," the statement concluded.

India started day four at 196/2, but lost Shubman Gill on 91 via an unfortunate run out in the first hour of the morning session. However, India swelled the lead to close to 380 with centurion Yashaswi Jaiswal also returning to bat after retiring hurt last evening.

Earlier on Friday (February 16), BCCI had announced that Ashwin withdrew from the ongoing third Test with immediate effect due to a family medical emergency.

Ashwin entered the elite 500 Test wicket club on Day 2 of the third Test against England in Rajkot. He was on 499 scalps at the end of the second Test in Vizag and completed his 500th with the wicket of Zak Crawley on Day 2 of the third Test.