Veteran spinner R Ashwin withdraws from ongoing third Test against England due to family emergency

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Friday (February 16, 2024) after the end of the second day's play.

"In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin," the statement said.

"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance," the statement said.

"The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time," the Indian Cricket Board said.

"The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period," the statement said.

According to reports, the emergency is related Ashwin's mother's health as reflected in a X post by BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla: "Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother. @BCCI."

Ashwin scalps 500th Test wicket

Ashwin became just the second Indian bowler and ninth overall to take 500 wickets in Test cricket.

Ashwin achieved the milestone during the ongoing Test match in Rajkot against England.

The off-spinner 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.

Ashwin is the ninth bowler in Test history to breach the 500-wicket barrier, and the only one from India since Anil Kumble.

Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and Nathan Lyon are the only other spinners ahead of him in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test history.