IND vs ENG: Can India field replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin in Rajkot Test? This is what the rules say

Ravichandran Ashwin, who became the second Indian to take 500 Test wickets, withdrew from the ongoing third Test against England.

Ravichandran Ashwin became the second Indian bowler to take 500 Test wickets.

Rajkot: India will face four bowlers on offer in the ongoing third Test match between India and England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium. The hosts suffered a major blow as premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was forced to withdraw and fly back to Chennai due to his mother's illness on Friday. Earlier in the day, Ashwin became the second Indian and ninth overall to reach the coveted 500 Test wickets.

According to the rules, each team can only have a substitute player in the event of concussion and COVID-19. With neither happening to Ashwin, India will have to play the rest of the match with ten players and a substitute. The replacement fielder cannot contribute with a bowl or bat.

On day 3, Devdutt Padikkal was brought in as a substitute. Earlier, late on Friday, the BCCI informed that Ashwin withdrew from the Rajkot Test. Though the board decided to keep it a 'family emergency' for the Ashwin, BCCI vice-president Raeev Shukla dropped the spotlight.

The veteran administrator informed through social media platform 'X' that Ashwin had to fly back home to be with his ailing mother. “Wishing a speedy recovery to @ashwinravi99's mother. He has to hurry and leave Rajkot Test for Chennai to be with his mother. @BCCI,” Shukla wrote.

Earlier, BCCI had written: “In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin. The BCCI extends its sincere support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of the utmost importance. The board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate this challenging time.”

It is also understood that Ashwin will not be available for selection in the final two Tests in Ranchi and Dharamshala. If Ashwin is not available, India will have Washington Sundar as a replacement. The other possible replacements, outside the squad, are veterans Jayant Yadav and Jalaj Saxena, along with young Pulkit Narang.

Meanwhile, Ashwin had reached 500 Test wickets when he dismissed Zak Crawley in England's first innings to complete the milestone in his 98th match.