Ravichandran Ashwin will rejoin Team India on Day 4 of the ongoing Test match between India and England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement and announced the development on the morning of February 18 (Sunday). The BCCI confirmed that Ashwin will continue to contribute to the team from Day 4 of the Rajkot Test after he had to withdraw himself from the game briefly due to family 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," BCCI said in a release.
"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.
"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 release added.
Ashwin can bowl without serving waiting period
Commentator Dinesh Karthik on Day 3 disclosed that the match officials have made an exception for Ravichandran Ashwin, allowing him to bowl immediately upon his return to the game. Ashwin had to leave the ongoing match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium to address a family emergency, a situation that ordinarily would require a player to wait an equal amount of time they were off the field before they could resume playing.
The typical regulation aims to maintain the integrity of the game by ensuring players spend a proportional amount of time on the field as off it before they can participate in key aspects of the match, such as batting or bowling. This rule is crucial for maintaining a balanced approach to game disruptions.
However, recognising the unique circumstances surrounding Ashwin's departure, the umpires have shown flexibility and compassion by waiving this waiting period.
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