Offspinner R Ashwin has made a triumphant return to the Indian team in Rajkot during the ongoing third Test against England. He had left the city after play on the second day due to personal reasons and missed the entire third day’s play.
Ashwin Back in Action on Day 4
Ashwin re-entered the field at the beginning of the third session, with England at 18 for 2 in their pursuit of India’s formidable total of 557.
The day began with positive news as the BCCI announced Ashwin’s return to Rajkot, stating it was due to a family emergency. In a statement, the BCCI expressed, “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. Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”
India’s Commanding Performance: Battling Back in Ashwin’s Absence
Although Ashwin spent an entire day off the field, he quickly made himself available to bowl. Umpires have the authority to waive penalty time if they consider the player’s absence acceptable, excluding cases of illness or internal injury, according to playing conditions.
On the second day of the Rajkot Test, Ashwin had achieved a milestone by taking his 500th wicket in Test cricket. However, it was only at 11 pm IST that news of his departure from the team became public through a statement from the BCCI.
On the third day, England began at 207 for 2 in response to India’s first-innings total of 445, with opener Ben Duckett scoring a quick century at more than a run per ball. Despite Ashwin’s absence, India made a strong comeback, claiming eight wickets for 112 runs on the third day and securing a first-innings lead of 126.
In the second innings, India’s batsmen extended the lead to 322 for the loss of only two wickets by stumps on the third day. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 104 before retiring hurt with a back niggle, and Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 65. India further strengthened their position by declaring with a lead of 556 during the second session of play.
Leave a Reply