Is it okay for R Ashwin to leave IND vs ENG Test series midway? Aren't there any rules for it?
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Rajkot, Feb 17: In a shocking development, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin decided to withdraw from India's ongoing third Test against England as he flew back to Chennai to attend to his ailing mother. Speaking on the same, the BCCI issued a statement but did not specify the nature of the medical issue concerning Ashwin's family.
"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin," BCCI said in a media release.
R Ashwin withdraws from the 3rd India-England Test due to family emergency.
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024
In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.https://t.co/U2E19OfkGR
"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 Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time," the statement added further.
However, BCCI President Rajeev Shukla confirmed on 'X' that it is indeed Ashwin's mother who has fallen ill. "Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother," he said.
Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99 . He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother . @BCCI
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 16, 2024
BCCI secretary Jay Shah 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."
India will continue the rest of the third Test with only 10 players and four proper bowlers. It's been indicated that Ashwin may not be available for the last two Tests of the five-match series in Ranchi (Feb 25-29) and Dharamshala (March 7-11).
Is a replacement allowed for Ashwin?
As per the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), there is a provision for India to make a change, but it depends on the consent of England skipper Ben Stokes.
The MCC rules regarding the nomination and replacement of players (1.2) are as follows.
- Each captain shall nominate his/her players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss.
- No player may be replaced after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
- Any replacement player shall be considered the same player as the nominated player he/she replaced for the purposes of these Laws.
- A replacement shall not bat in an innings in which the nominated player he/she is replacing has completed his/her innings.
- Any unserved Penalty time, warnings or suspensions, that applied to the original nominated player will be inherited by his/her replacement.
- According to the playing conditions of the World Test Championship (2021-23), each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of six substitute fielders in writing to the ICC Match Referee before the toss. Other than as set out in clauses 1.2.7 and 1.2.8, no player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
Clause 1.2.7 refers to concussion substitutions, while 1.2.8 is concerning COVID-19 replacements.
Though there can be a substitute player for Ashwin, India will have to play the entire 3rd Test with 10 men and four specialist bowlers. As for a like-for-like substitute for Ashwin, the Indian squad currently has off-spinner Washington Sundar. Outside the squad, potential replacements are Jayant Yadav and Jalaj Saxena, along with the young Pulkit Narang.