In a significant development for India’s aspirations to seize the series lead in the Rajkot Test, R Ashwin is slated to rejoin the squad on Day 4 (February 18). The seasoned spinner, who achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets during the first innings of this match, had momentarily stepped away from the squad following the conclusion of the second day’s play on Friday (February 16) due to a family emergency.
Amidst uncertainty regarding India’s full XI for batting in the third innings and bowling in the fourth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now confirmed Ashwin’s return to the lineup for the crucial phase of the Test match.
A BCCI official release stated, “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.”
Despite Ashwin’s absence, India displayed resilience on Day 3, orchestrating a batting collapse for England as the visitors plummeted from 224/2 to 319 all out. With India asserting dominance and building a substantial lead, Ashwin’s comeback is poised to provide an added boost, especially with his prowess both with the bat and, notably, the ball, as England braces for a formidable fourth innings chase, a challenge they’ve adeptly navigated in recent encounters.