Image Source: BCCI/ Ravi Ashwin ind vs eng test withdraws from 3rd test due to family emergency
India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opted out of the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot. He had returned to Chennai to be with his mother, who is currently admitted to hospital. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has extended its support to the legendary bowler, who completed 500 Test wickets on Day 2 of the game. Ashwin would not take any further part in the match.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) rules regarding substitutes and replacements provide clarity on the matter. According to ICC regulations, a substitute player can only replace a fielder during play. However, it's imperative to note that a substitute is restricted to fielding duties and cannot bowl. Additionally, replacement players are sanctioned only in cases of concussions or Covid-19 emergencies.
No. As per the playing conditions, a complete replacement for a player is only allowed when he is ruled out of the match due to a concussion injury suffered on the field. India would not have been allowed to pick a replacement even if Ashwin was ruled out due to any other injury. Only concussion substitutes are allowed to bat and ball.
However, if India makes a formal request to England and Stokes agrees, then there is a slim chance of Ashwin being replaced with either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel, who would be able to bowl and bat in the second innings.
If Ashwin is ruled out of the 4th Test, India can rope in all-rounder Washington Sundar in its lineup as a like-for-like replacement. Jayant Yadav, Jalaj Saxena, and Pulkit Narang are also spin-bowling options for India outside its Test squad. India will meet England in Ranchi (Feb 25-29) and Dharamsala (March 7-11) for the remaining two Tests of the five-game series.
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